Arguably Braun’s most successful electric shaver, the Series 7 has been widely regarded as the unofficial benchmark for performance and comfort.
But with the current iteration of the Series 5, you may wonder if the Series 7 is still the razor to buy given that the Series 5 offers a few very compelling features of its own.
A Braun Series 5 vs 7 comparison can be rather complex, but there are only a few aspects that should be strongly considered when trying to decide between the two.
In this article we’ll try to objectively present the things that one does better than the other and hopefully help you decide which one would be a better option for you.
Table of Contents
A brief overview of the Braun Series 5 and Series 7
The Series 5 is Braun’s line of electric shavers that fills the gap between the company’s entry-level Series 3 and the more advanced Series 7.
Braun Series 5 5190cc
The current Series 5 shavers represent the third iteration since the line was launched and includes several variations.
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular Series 5 models:
- 5090cc/5190cc/5195cc (dry only/wet&dry, automatic Clean & Charge Station)
- 5070cc, 5050cc (dry only, basic automatic Clean & Charge Station)
- 5030s (dry only, no cleaning station)
- 5040s (wet & dry, no cleaning station)
The Series 7 was launched in 2007 and quickly became a best-seller.
Its strongest assets over the competition were the unmatched comfort during use, excellent build quality and one of the best automatic cleaning systems in the business.
Braun Series 7 7865cc [New]
The Series 7 line includes various models, available with or without an automatic cleaning station and also dry only/wet & dry models. Here are the most popular ones:
- 7865cc (wet & dry, automatic Clean & Charge Station, grey) [review]
- 799cc (wet & dry, automatic Clean & Charge Station, silver) [review]
- 797cc (wet &dry, automatic Clean & Charge Station, silver)
- 740s (wet & dry, no cleaning station, black)
- 790cc (dry only, automatic Clean & Charge Station) [review]
- 760cc (same as the 790cc-4, with a black color scheme and a few missing features)
- 720cc (same as the 760cc-4, no cleaning station)
Apart from a few differences in color scheme, included accessories or minor features, the actual shaving performance throughout the Series 7 range is pretty much identical.
The same is true for the Series 5, so I won’t be necessarily referring to specific models from the Series 5 or 7 in this article, but rather to the two lines as a whole.
Let’s now get to the differences between the Braun Series 5 and Series 7.
Braun Series 5 vs 7: performance
We’re kicking off the comparison with the shaving performance as it’s probably the part that interests the potential buyer the most.
There are four main aspects we’ll be comparing:
- Comfort
- Closeness of the shave
- Shaving longer hairs
- Speed
Comfort
Both the Series 5 and the Series 7 use a very similar shaving head comprised of three cutting elements:
- two foils for cutting the hairs close to the skin;
- one middle trimmer that is supposed to lift longer, flat-lying hairs and cut them to a reasonable length for the foils to tackle.
Braun Series 5 vs Series 7 shaving heads.The result is one of the most comfortable shaves of any electric razor.
However, the Series 7 has the edge. While the Series 5 is definitely comfortable and adequate for sensitive skin, the Series 7 is more forgiving even when pressing a little too hard.
I am yet to make the Series 7 cause me any discomfort, while with the Series 5 I did sometimes experience a bit of stinging and a slight rash on my neck where my skin is extremely sensitive.
However, it wasn’t anything too serious and something that I could have avoided with a bit of extra care.
Closeness of the shave
The closeness of both the Series 5 and 7, while not quite to the level of a Panasonic Arc 5 for example, will likely be more than satisfactory for most men.
In this respect, the two are extremely similar and I wouldn’t say that one is better than the other.
Braun Series 5 5190cc
Moreover, if we look closely at the two shaving heads, they look almost identical and the Series 7 cassette even fits the Series 5 perfectly (however, I do not recommend using it in this manner).
Shaving longer hairs
Something that could have an impact on the shaving performance is the so-called Sonic technology found on the Series 7.
According to Braun, 10000 micro-pulsations per minute make the foils vibrate and lift the hairs for a more efficient shave. And in real-world use, this does seem to make a difference compared to the Series 5 (that lacks this feature).
While the Series 5 is surprisingly good at catching longer, flat-lying hairs (definitely better than other foil shavers in this price range), the Series 7 is better.
Precisely, it takes less effort with the Braun Series 7 to capture and cut flat hairs and with fewer strokes.
With the Series 5, I had to always go against the grain to successfully capture and cut the hairs, while the Series 7 allowed me to be sloppier and less concerned about this aspect.
These micro-pulsations also make shaving with the Series 7 feel more like a gentle massage, which makes for a very enjoyable shaving experience.
Speed
The Series 7 also sounds and feels slightly faster. It produces a higher-pitched sound in the highest power setting which may hint at a more powerful motor being fitted to the Series 7.
This will translate into a slightly faster shaving time in the case of the Series 7.
In my case, using the Series 7 does result in a shorter shaving session.
Braun Series 7 790cc
The Series 5 produces a lower frequency hum, but it seems louder than the Series 7. This is also accentuated by the fact that the razor vibrates very vigorously during use. The Series 7 is more refined in this regard.
Personalization modes (Series 7)
The Series 7 shavers feature a personalization mode, which allows the user to choose between three or five settings: Sensitive, Normal and Intense.
The newer models (like the 797cc or the 7865cc) have 5 settings. Selecting one is carried out by pressing the two buttons located just below the power button.
This allows you to alter the power output of the motor depending on the area you are about to shave. For example, you can choose the Sensitive mode for your neck.
In practice, this again seems to make no real difference and it’s safe to say that it is just a marketing gimmick and you should always use the most powerful setting as the shaver remains adequately comfortable at all times.
The lower speed setting will just make the Series 7 feel slow without any noticeable improvements in comfort.
It’s probably the reason why Braun decided to ditch this feature with the newer Series 9.
Bottom line
If you were to shave half your face with the Series 7 and the other half with the Series 5, the results will most likely be very similar, especially in terms of closeness.
How you actually get to those results is a slightly different story, with the Series 7 having the edge in this regard as the shaving experience is more enjoyable and the time it takes to complete a shave can be shorter.
The body of the Series 5 vibrates quite vigorously and makes more noise when cutting the hairs, while the Series 7 feels more refined. But again, the end result will be very similar.
Build quality, design and ergonomics
The Series 5 5090cc (left) and the Series 7 7865cc (right).The Series 5 incorporates Braun’s current design language that we first saw with the introduction of the new flagship shaver, the Series 9.
Those two shavers are actually quite similar in terms of design and size.
The Series 5 even tapers towards the bottom, again, just like the Series 9.
The Series 5 (right) is very similar in terms of design to the 9 (left).From an aesthetic perspective, the Series 5 is undoubtedly one of the best looking electric shavers in Braun’s lineup and stands out more than the Series 7.
The sleek shape, along with the striking black, red/blue and silver color scheme definitely makes the razor look like a premium product.
Again, it’s actually quite similar in terms of design and proportions to the Series 9 shavers.
Braun Series 5 5090cc
Even though it is larger than the Series 7, the ergonomics of the Series 5 aren’t affected and it feels nicely balanced. The generous, textured rubber insert ensures an excellent grip.
The design of the Series 7 is understated and even a bit dull compared to the Series 5. That’s not to say that it looks bad. But side by side, the Series 5 stands out.
Having said that, the build quality of both shavers is very good and this is one of the things that Braun is renowned for.
However, there are a few important differences between them that will impact the ergonomics. Here they are:
The size of the shaving head
One noteworthy aspect concerning the ergonomics of the two shavers is the size of the shaving heads.
Even though the actual cassettes are almost identical in size, the frame surrounding them is a bit larger on the Braun Series 5.
While not that obvious from a side by side comparison, this makes the Series 7 feel a bit more nimble and easier to use when shaving tricky areas like under the nose or the jawline.
Travel lock (Series 5)
Oddly, the Series 7 doesn’t feature a travel lock. There is no way to physically deactivate the ON/OFF button. You could argue that it is very small and rather difficult to press, but that hardly counts as a travel lock.
Braun addressed this shortcoming with the Series 5 and you can activate the travel lock by pressing and holding the ON/OFF button for 3 seconds.
A better head locking mechanism (Series 5)
The shaving heads of both the Series 5 and 7 can move back and forth and they work really well for maintaining constant contact with the skin.
But there are situations where more precision is required, so the shavers offer the possibility of locking the head in a fixed position.
When activated, it also retracts two of the foils to make the shaving head even slimmer, which is great for finesse work.
The switch is located on the front of the Series 5 and on the shaving head itself for the Series 7. However, the actual implementations of the locking mechanisms are different.
If you move the shaving head of the Series 7 after being locked into place, the mechanism can literally break. This is quite common among Series 7 users and it’s even acknowledged by Braun.
As a result, you must be extra careful when using it as the warranty won’t cover this type of damage.
The problem was addressed for the Series 5 and if excessive force is applied, the head will simply move and lock into a different position, with no damage done to the ratcheting mechanism.
Long hair trimmer: a mixed bag
Even if the hair trimmers on virtually all electric shavers can only be used for touch-ups and light grooming, they are definitely useful.
The Series 5 and 7 feature a hair trimmer, but the implementations are very different.
The one on the Series 5 is located on the back, just like the one on the Series 3, 8 and 9.
This positioning is very good in theory from an ergonomic standpoint, but unfortunately on the Series 5 it doesn’t really extend beyond the shaving head and you can’t really see what you’re doing.
Side view of the Series 5 hair trimmer.The Series 7 has a pop-up trimmer located on the front of the shaver that sits perpendicular to the body of the shaver when deployed.
This solution also suffers from the same problem as the shaving head obscures the trimmer.
The extended hair trimmer on the Braun Series 7.Removing the cassette before using the trimmer should make things a bit easier in the case of both.
Regarding the actual performance of the trimmers on the Series 5 and 7, it’s pretty average and neither is particularly good.
While they are adequately wide, I don’t really like the curved profile and they just don’t seem to cut as efficiently as the trimmers on Panasonic shavers for example.
They’re also not suitable for trimming your entire beard if you haven’t shaved for a longer period. It will take ages and probably won’t be an enjoyable experience. Just use a regular hair trimmer if that’s the case.
LED display
The Series 5 also comes on top when it comes to displaying useful information, like remaining battery and hygiene status.
The display is clear, simple and very legible. It’s also conveniently placed on the front of the shaver.
The Series 7 has a circular LCD display awkwardly placed at the bottom of the razor. On older models, it’s also very dim and difficult to read, especially in a darker room.
The newer Series 7 come with an updated display, but it’s not particularly good either.Some of the newer Series 7 models like the 7865cc come with an updated LCD display.
While it’s adequately bright, it’s not particularly useful and many users seem to be confused by it (and rightfully so).
Cleaning and maintenance
As mentioned at the beginning of this Braun Series 5 vs 7 analysis, you can opt for a shaver that comes with or without an automatic cleaning station.
The Series 5 and the Series 7 clean & charge station.And while I don’t usually consider them to be necessary, especially in the case of easy to clean foil shavers, I will actually suggest going for a model that includes one in this case.
Here’s why:
- Braun’s clean & charge stations are actually very good and practical;
- They use an alcohol-based solution that cleans and sanitizes the blades and also dries very fast;
- The cleaning cartridges won’t increase the running costs by much with a few adjustments;
- There are cheap third-party cleaning solutions available;
- A cassette is more difficult to clean manually than a conventional foil shaving head;
- The cleaning cycles are short;
- The solution also lubricates the foils and blades.
With that said, the automatic clean & charge stations that come with the Series 5 and 7 have a few important differences.
Let’s take a close look at each one.
Series 7: Clean & Charge station
First, the one included with the Series 7 is more compact. So if you have limited counter-top real estate, take this into account as well.
The Series 7 stations used to be fitted with an induction heating system for drying the shaver after the cleaning cycle has ended. This ensured a completely silent and fast operation.
However, Braun recently ditched this feature along with the quick cleaning mode for all Series 7 models that are currently being manufactured, including the 790cc.
You could still get it with the older 790cc/799cc/797cc if you can still find them.
Braun Series 7 799cc
A significant difference between the Series 5 and 7 is that you can use the Series 7 s (solo) models (like 7893s, 740s etc.) with a Series 7 cleaning station, while in the case of the Series 5 you cannot.
The Series 7 solo models are the only ones fitted with the special chip required to communicate with the stations.
Finally, the Series 7 station looks subjectively better, especially compared to the one that comes with the Series 5 which has a rather cheap look.
Series 5: Clean & Charge station
Apart from being bulkier, the automatic cleaning system of the Series 5 also doesn’t have an active element for drying the shaver.
As a result, it will also take 3 to 4 hours for the alcohol solution to evaporate naturally.
This is probably one of the corners that had to be cut in order to keep the price of the Series 5 low.
The end result — a clean, sanitized, lubricated and fully charged shaver — is still the same.
Besides, you probably won’t need to use your shaver within hours of completing a previous shave.
It’s worth mentioning that only the 5090cc/5190cc/5195cc in the Series 5 range comes with a station that analyses the hygiene status and selects one of the three cleaning modes accordingly (short, normal, high intensity) like the one from the Series 7.
The other two, namely the 5070cc and the 5050cc only have one standard cleaning program.
Braun Series 5 5190cc
Another minus for the Series 5 is the lack of wet & dry shavers available with a cleaning station.
So if you plan on using your electric razor with shaving cream, your only option is the Series 7 799cc, 7865cc or other wet & dry Series 7 variant as the Series 5 only offers dry only shavers with a clean & charge base.
Actually, Braun rolled out a small update to the current Series 5 shavers, called the Series 5² and all the updated models, including the cc ones that include a cleaning station, are suitable for wet & dry use.
However, these new models aren’t widely available in all the countries yes. I will update this post once they become widely available.
A shortcoming when it comes to Braun’s cleaning stations is that if you use shaving cream with your wet & dry shaver, regardless if it’s a Series 3, 5, 7, 8 or 9, you must first clean it manually of any foam and soap residues before using the cleaning station.
If you don’t the station can clog and excessive pressure can buildup inside the cartridge. This is definitely something you should keep in mind if you plan on using your shaver with creams and gels.
For dry shaving, this is a non-issue and the cleaning stations perform very well.
Price and maintenance costs
We are all interested in reducing the initial investment and the cost of ownership. Let’s see how the Series 5 and 7 fare in this regard.
As expected, the Series 5, being the lower end product, costs less.
The difference in price compared to a similarly specced Series 7 (for example a Series 5 5090cc vs a Series 7 790cc) can be pretty significant.
Things are usually the same in the case of the replacement shaving heads (cassettes), but it’s not always the case.
Braun Series 5 Replacement Head
Braun Series 7 Replacement Head
Particularly the price for the cassettes compatible with the Series 7 tends to vary tremendously, with big spikes, but also great discounts.
Overall, given the smaller cost of the shaver itself, the Series 5 would be the pick for the budget-conscious buyer.
While the Series 7 has the edge in terms of performance and cleaning stations, but only slightly, the cost savings implied by the lower price of the Series 5 and of the replacement shaving heads can tip the scales in its favor.
This is actually the biggest asset of the Series 5 in my opinion — price and value for money.
You may also opt for a solo Series 5 and save even more money, but again I think the station is worth it.
Braun Series 5 vs 7: when should you choose one over the other?
Choosing between a Series 5 and a Series 7 can be difficult. And even more so when dealing with shavers that offer similar performance, but also have pros and cons.
Both the Series 5 and 7 are two excellent choices that are able to provide some of the most comfortable shaves. And this comes without a significant trade-off in the closeness of the shave, which still remains more than adequate.
You’ll likely be very satisfied with the end results by choosing either of them.
My advice would be to simply go for the one that would suit you better considering the pros and cons presented in detail above.
Personally, I would opt for the Series 7 as it’s more enjoyable to use, a bit faster and more comfortable. However, for someone that doesn’t have very sensitive skin or is not particularly interested in the other aspects, spending more on a Series 7 may not be justified.
The Series 5 is cheaper to buy and to run and it offers pretty much the same performance as a Series 7.
The Series 5 5090cc that I reviewed in great detail here can usually be found at an excellent price and comes with the full option cleaning base. The 5195cc is an equally good option if the 5090cc is not available anymore.
And like I said, with the Series 5 or 7 you’ll probably want the cleaning station too.
Manually cleaning either of the two can be fiddly and it takes away some of the fuss-free awesomeness of using an electric shaver.
Having to remove hairs, dirt and dried shaving cream from a single piece shaving head is not something to look forward to.
Regarding the Braun Series 5 vs 7 decision, here are a few general guidelines to help you make a pick.
Choose the Series 5 if
- You want the best value for money and lower costs of ownership;
- You’re not bothered by the vibrations of the shaver during use;
- You don’t have very sensitive skin.
Choose the Series 7 if
- You want the more refined shaver and the extra costs implied are not a constraint;
- You have very sensitive, irritation-prone skin;
- You have lots of flat-lying hairs that grow in different directions;
- You can get a really great deal on one.
And that concludes our Braun Series 5 and Series 7 comparison. If you have any other questions or you’d like to share your experience, make sure to leave a comment below.
Great review. I have both the Series 5 & 7, as well as several other brands. I find that I come back to the Series 5 more frequently than any of the others. It seems, to give the closest and most comfortable shave. The rotary shavers, Norelco and Remington are useless, and Panasonic is well made and does a great job, but it is very noisy.
Very helpful review. Thanks so much.
You are very welcome, glad you found it useful!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, this may seem an unusual question but would a series 5 shaver work with the series 7 charge station? I’ve owned a series 7 with the charge station for a few years now & the trimmer broke a few months ago. The blade unit is now broken & I honestly wasn’t impressed at all with the series 7, especially for the price so I’m thinking of getting a series 5 if it works with the charge station, if not I think I’ll just try another brand this time.
Hi, unfortunately no, the Series 7 cleaning station will only work with a Series 7 shaver that was designed to be used with one, like the 790cc for example. The models ending in s like the 740s won’t work either. If you weren’t satisfied with the performance of the Series 7, going for a Series 5 wouldn’t be the best approach as they are pretty much on par with regards to shaving performance. You can also check out the Panasonic Arc 4 line, they are very good performers for the price.
will the 7 series model which does not come bundled with a charge/clean station function if using charge/clean station sold separately?
No, it won’t work. Only the models that originally came with a station – the models ending in cc – will work with a cleaning station. If you buy an s model that doesn’t come bundled with the station and you plan onm getting the station separately later on it won’t work.
Ovidiu,
That was the most thorough and informative review I have ever read on-line. To date I have settled for inexpensive rotary head shavers, but my wife grew tired of my frequent complaints and purchased a Braun Series 5 5190cc. Wow, like trading in your VW for a Porsche. All of your comments match up to my experience thus far. Looking forward to my next shave. Jim on Cape Cod.
Many thanks for taking the time to share this, Jim. Glad you’re happy with your Series 5, I would also pick it over any rotary (including the high-end ones) any day.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I asked Braun that .No it wont work.I think hardly any series will work with other series.They got you bye the series.
I have used Norelco’s since the 1 head in the late 1940’s.The last great Norelco was the 3d Senso Touch,after that they ruined the shaver in the 8000 & 9000 series,shaving became painful.I bought a Panasonic E5-LA63 quite a good shaver ,but noisy .Years ago after many complaints to Braun about a rogue service center ,they sent me the 550cc Braun which I used from time to time but mostly for the trimmer .Recently I went back to the 550cc after replacing the blades and found it gave me a better shave than the Panasonic.I lost the clean and charge station that came with the 550cc ,so I just purchased 5090cc which I can use the clean and charge station with my 550cc.Frankly ,I’m confused about the 7 series versus the 5 series but concluded that there was so little difference between the two that saving $50 for the 5 series made more sense.I think that having the cleaning and charging station will be a big plus for me.Thank you for your great review ,I almost refused the shipment for the 5 series and was going to buy the 7 series.That would have been a big mistake.
Thank you for your comment, Hans. I’m glad it helped you out. Just one thing, I’m pretty sure that you can’t use the cleaning station of the 5090cc to clean your 550cc razor. The stations are different in design and the shavers themselves use different shaving heads.
Hi,
I currently have a 790cc of 8 years and it becomes noisy … so I think to change it to a new model ; what do you think of changing it to the 7898cc/7899cc especially if the price is currently +/- 165€ – 30€ of cashback ?
I was looking for a 5050cc but the price will be approximatively 110€ … so …
I was also looking for the new serie 9 but the price of the cassettes (60€) is too expansive, I think
Thanks
Hi Steven,
My Series 5 5090cc is noisier than all the Series 7 I’ve used so far, especially during use when it vibrates quite strongly.
If you were satisfied with the performance of your Series 7, you’ll feel right at home with either of the 7899cc or 7898cc. Performance-wise they are identical to the 790cc. The only differences is that they can be used wet or dry and the cleaning stations lack the quick cleaning setting and the induction drying system. If that’s not a deal-breaker, I think they will be a very good option in this case.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your quick answer.
It’s a difficult choice as the new 5197cc (I suppose) is currently at 105€ in (uk) … I’m always a little bit careful with cashbacks :p
Hi Ovidius,
Great review. Unfortunately, I am still confused in choosing one between 797cc and 790cc.
My Series 5 is almost gone, and I am considering to have either 797cc or 790cc. Would you please advise which one is really better, especially, that I am also wondering why the price of 797 cc is cheaper than that of 790cc in Canada.
Best regards,
Yen
Hi Yen,
They are absolutely identical with regards to shaving performance. The 797cc can used wet & dry, while the 790cc can only be used dry. Depending on your preference for wet or dry shaving, you can opt for either of the two. A bonus for the 790cc would be that you can also use the shaver while it’s charging (with the cord plugged directly into the shaver). The price for the different Series 7 models can vary tremendously. Personally, I would go for the cheaper one.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Excellent review and I appreciate the worthwhile information. I currently have a Braun Series 5 and was considering upgrading to a Series 7, but after reading your review I changed my mind. My Series 5 shaves very comfortably but my biggest complaint is closeness. For a smooth shave I have to make several passes and use a good bit of pressure. Also, for me the shaver itself is somewhat bulky and the head is too large for certain areas of my face. So rather than upgrade to the Series 7 “twin”, I went with a Panasonic Arc 3. Not as comfortable of a shave as my Braun Series 5, but shaves a LOT closer in less time. And the smaller size is much less cumbersome. Thank you for your review!
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your kind words! I’d say that you made the right decision with the Arc 3. The Series 7 is clearly NOT a significant upgrade from a Series 5, particularly if you’re concerned with getting a closer shave. They are pretty much identical in that regard. Panasonic on the other hand excels at providing a very close shave, even the entry-level Arc 3 models are fantastic performers.
I’m glad you found the article useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
I’m French and had difficulties to find good info on shavers in french site. Thanks a lot for all good info you’re providing us.
I use a Braun serie 3 since 1 year. I like it but I have difficulties to shave in the neck and near the beard (i wear small beard around the mouth).
I’ve purchased philips serie 9 and thought (before reading your blog) that rotary shaver would help for flat, lying hairs but after 1 week I find it worse than my Braun 3020s. I always finish with my Braun to have a closer shaving. My technique is surely not good.
Also the big head of philips is difficult to have precision.
Do you think that a serie 5 would really improve my shaving, will reduce time and difficulties to shave flat hairs, growing in every directions?
Or would a Panasonic be a better choice?
I would like to stay with small heads to keep precision to cut Under the neck, and around the beard.
Thanks,
Ludo.
Thank you for your comment, Ludo.
In theory a rotary razor should be better at handling flat lying hairs compared to foil shavers, particularly the entry level models. However, your technique also counts and sometimes — for reasons that aren’t exactly logical — one type of shaver simply works than other.
For example, I always get a better shave with foil-based electric shavers. Compared to rotary razors, the closeness, precision and comfort are superior in my case. Since you’re actually getting better results with a basic Series 3, a shaver that (at least in theory) should be blown out of the water by a Philips Series 9000, I think it makes sense to try a more advanced foil shaver.
The Series 5 seems like a good fit for you. It has 3 blades, so it is reasonably nimble, has plenty of power and it handles flat lying hairs very well for a foil shaver. I’ve used both a Series 3 and a Series 5 and the 5 is vastly superior in every aspect.
Regarding Panasonic shavers, I personally think they’re fantastic performers (closeness, power and wet/dry use), but I don’t find them as good as Braun razors (Series 5, 7 and 9) for shaving flat lying hairs that grow in different directions. Otherwise they would have been a good choice as well. Maybe just the Arc 3 since the other models come with 4 or 5 blades and their heads are very bulky, clearly not ideal for shaving around a goatee.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
thanks for your answer, it helps me finding my way out in the jungle of shavers world.
For sure my technique with rotary shaver is not good. But as I don’t find it really practical compared to foil I’ll stay with foil shavers.
Have a nice day.
Ludo
Desr,
After reading your feedback i still confused which shaver to use noting that this a first time to use electric shaver
My inquiry the performance in shaving for the series 5 and 7 was the same
Hi Katim,
Apart from the rather minor differences in shaving performance outlined in the article, the two are very similar and you can’t really go wrong either way. If your budget allows it, go for the Series 7. It is more refined and the cleaning station is more compact. Otherwise, the Series 5 will be cheaper to buy and the replacement shaving head also costs less.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have Braun Cruzer 6 Clean Shave but i think to change it for Series 5 or Series 7. I have soft and bright hair and sensitive skins that’s why I shave every 3 days. Is the 5 or 7 series is much better than Cruzer 6? Cruzer is like Series 3 or worse? I have lots of flat-lying hairs that grow in different direction and especially i have problem with hair on throat. Cruzer irritates my skin and i must to spend a lot of time to shave well. I don’t want to spend too many moneys for new razor (more than my computer graphics card) but i don’t want also to risk bad product to my hairs. Is the Series 5 5190cc is enough or i must buy example Series 7-7790CC? At this moment i prefer Series 5 (price and maintenance costs). Greetings from Poland and sorry for bad english.
Hi,
The Cruzer 6 is actually worse than a Series 3 in my opinion (when used as an electric shaver, so without any comb attachments). A series 5 or 7 should be a clear improvement over it, both in terms of comfort and how it deals with flat hairs. Regarding which one to choose, if your budget is limited, the Series 5 is probably the one to have. As mentioned in the article, the Series 7 is overall a bit better, but in most cases the Series 5 will be good enough. If you can get it for a much better price, I think it will serve you well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
What’s your thought on which is the best electric shaver for going bald on head? I am not sure which is the greatest like Braun Series 3, 5 or 7? Some people are telling me that series 9 is the answer for perfect shaving on the head. I am still undecided on series 5 and 7. If series 9 is only one, let me know.
I think the Series 5 or 7 should work just fine. I do not shave my head, so I can’t compare them to a Series 9, but an additional cutting element shouldn’t make that much of a difference, especially when shaving short, fine hair like the one on the scalp.
Hi, I use a series 5 and I hate it!! On some hair, instead of cutting, it pulls them and it hurts. i’ve been using it for almost 2 years and it still hurts when it pulls those hairs. happens 10-20 times at every trim. should I go with series 7 or series 9.
Hi Paul,
Normally, as long as the foils or blades are not damaged or worn out, you shouldn’t experience any hairs getting pulled. You didn’t mention if this has happened right from the beginning when the razor was brand new. So if the shaving head of your Series 5 is still in good shape, there could be a couple of causes for what you’re experiencing. First of all, if you move the shaver too fast during a stroke, some hairs will get pulled. So try doing slower strokes. The second is excessively long facial hair. Electric shavers are designed to work on reasonably short stubble, so try shaving more often or use a trimmer beforehand if your beard is too long.
I think you should try to solve the cause of this before upgrading to a new shaver. The Series 7 is a bit better, but not exponentially better as mentioned in this post. So if there’s nothing wrong with your shaver, a Series 7 likely won’t solve the pulling problem.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have been using a model 8585 with a series 5 cartridge. The battery is failing and I’m afraid to leave it plugged in because it seems to get a little too warm when “charging”. I really like the razor’s shave and ergonomics. Would the 5 or the 7 series provide the closest approximation to the 8585’s shave and ergonomics?
Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to shave with an 8585, so I cannot compare it directly to other Braun models that I’ve used. If you’re satisfied with it, a modern Series 5 (that uses a similar shaving head to the one you have on your 8585 right now, but with the blades and foils merged into a single piece cassette) should be at least as good. As mentioned in the article, I find the Series 7 to be just a bit more comfortable and enjoyable to use, but nothing dramatically different. I personally wouldn’t mind paying a bit more for a Series 7, but that’s of course up to you.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi There
I have been using a series 5 (8985) for a very long time and it has been a real workhorse! It has survived thousands of shaves, not so gentle handling and keeps going on an on. The cleaning station gave up about 5 years ago so I have been cleaning it by hand. Then I guess the battery started to give out so it began to run slower and slower. But it works up to speed when the cord is plugged in.
Some of he new shavers (series 7 and 9) are usable in the shower, BUT cannot be used in the corded mode (for electrocution protection I assume). I wish to buy a new razor, either series 7 or 9, but still want to have the option of using it in the CORDED MODE if the battery starts to die. Can you tell me where I can find out which models will give me that option?
Thanks
Doug
Hi Doug,
That is correct, the dry only Series 7 and 9 will work in corded mode. There are far fewer options in the case of the Series 9 as most of them have been phased out and all the current models are wet & dry. So your only option would be to find one of the previous (original) Series 9 like the dry only 9090cc or 9050cc. As for the Series 7, there’s the 790cc, 760cc, 720s, 7790cc. All of them are dry only models and will work with the cord plugged in.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello
I have the series 5 Braun shaver with charger for a number of years and very pleased with its performance.
Recently the battery was not charging anymore and I needed to find a battery.
I am technical enough to look inside and saw the battery,
UR14500L at 680 mAh.
Alll sources say that are available say that this battery is obsolete and unable to produce.
Can you help me locate a source?
Hi,
That is an older Sanyo battery that is only available to authorized repair agents as far as I know. You may still be able to find it on sites like ebay. Another option would be to contact a Braun service, but the cost of replacing the battery may not be worth it in this case. They usually charge pretty high even for minor interventions.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
does model 7 offer shaving on a network cable?
Will I offer such a shave only when the battery is empty?
Discharged battery plugs the cable and you can do it?
I always thought that there was better power on the network, it was better
thanks for the info
greetings
Pitr
Hi Pitr,
Some of the older (dry only) Series 7 can be used while connected to a power outlet, but most models out there are now wet/dry so they will only work cordless. However, this isn’t really a problem since the battery life of the Series 7 is really good and the motor maintains a high power output right until the battery is almost drained.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
does the Braun Series 7 7790cc offer a shave on the cable?
has the designation that it is S7 pulsonic – one of the first series?
it is at a good price I can buy it I wonder
I met a comment that wrenches my hair, a jerk, I do not want to believe in it – do I have something to fear?
can these vibrations be turned off and act like a 5 series model?
Are we shaving on a washed-up beard or nothing?
model cooltec has that it does not wash – a slight shock
thanks for a quick hint
greetings
Hi Pitr,
Yes, the 7790cc is a dry only model, so it will work when connected to a power outlet via the cable.
The Series 7 is a really good electric shaver, so unless there’s a faulty/damaged shaving head or the person using it is doing something wrong, it will not jerk nor yank the hairs.
No, the vibrations (the so-called Pulsonic technology) cannot be turned off. However, they are very refined and actually feel quite nice against the skin.
You can (and should) use it on a dry beard.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Is it possible to switch off the vibrations in the 7 series and thus work as or similar to the 5 model?
vibrations are only in the turbo range?
Hi Mark,
No, the vibrations are present throughout the whole range of the speed settings and cannot be turned off. However, they are barely noticeable and I’m pretty sure they won’t bother anyone during use.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you so much for the detailed comparison.
I am currently having a old Panasonic LAMBASH 3-blade Shaver ES-ST23 and looking for an upgrade.
I have short dense hair around my chin and neck area and I find it hard to shave it clean and smooth. Would the series 5 be a good option as an upgrade?
Thanks!
Ty
Hi Ty,
Thank you for your comment. The Series 5 should be an upgrade from your current shaver, especially when dealing with difficult hair on the neck.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
I have a older (10+years) series 5, don’t have the model number. I just purchased a new cartridge on line which is different than the one I have. My current cartridge replacement is a two piece system, the replacement foil and the replacement cutters. This new cartridge is one piece and appears to be larger. Is my series 5 too old for replacement cartridge/cutters or will this new one piece work? Don’t want to open the package if I have to return it.
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim,
Your Series 5 does indeed use the older replacement foils and blades (part number 51s). The new one-piece cassette (52s and 52b) will not fit. Luckily, the 51s is still available even though the older generation Series 5 was launched many years ago. For example, here it is on Amazon.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I got it today. I like it a lot, only i cut my self on the neck, using it. I used to use series 7 for many years and I never got cut. It’s a shame. Otherwise it’s a great product. I will try it for couple more times, with less pressuring, and if I cut myself again I’ll return it.
Thank you for taking the time to share this, Kipi. I would be inclined to say that it was just a misfortune, it normally is a gentle and forgiving shaver.
Let me know how it is after a few more shaves if you have the time.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi – can I use the Braun 5 to shave my head as well ? Thanks
Hi Danny,
Yes, you can use the Series 5 to shave your head as well. Just make sure the hair is reasonably short, electric shavers only work on short hair (otherwise they will miss a lot of them or yank them).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a series 5 series 8000 shaver. When I use the trimmer it has become difficult to return to it’s start position and therefore shut off the razor. If I bought a new series 5 would it fit my existing cleaning station?
Hi Norman,
A new Series 5 model will not fit in the Series 8000 cleaning station.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I shaved first time with my new Braun 5 series. I tried dry mode only. It was a great experience. It took flat 6 minutes and shave was better than my gelete 5 blades fusion razor !!
Thank you for the follow-up. That’s great, glad it turned out to be the right choice. 🙂
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Have an old Series 5, 8000 for many, many years with unfailing reliability (battery now starting to get a little slower but OK if used with mains power cable attached).
However my cleaning station (model 5 648) motor failed some months ago. Is this unit repairable or is a new suitable unit available at what cost in the UK? Alternatively, because of age will probably replace with new series 5. Thanks, John
Hi John,
Given the age of your Series 5, it’s unlikely to be able to repair the station (and for a reasonable cost). Also, the newer Series 5 stations are not compatible with your shaver. In my opinion, the only viable solution would be to buy the same station (pre-owned) and either use it as it is or get the required part and swap the faulty one in your station.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello I have 2 braun a series 3 and series 5 my series 3 bit the dust now thinking of a series 7 or a Panasonic arc 3 is one better?
Hey,
A Series 7 is noticeably better than a Series 3, it’s much better with long and flat-lying hairs and also faster and more comfortable. The Panasonic Arc 3 is closer to the Series 3 (performance-wise), but I do find it to shave a bit closer than the Series 3. It’s still an entry-level shaver though and will work best on short facial hair. So it really comes down to what you need and also your budget, the Series 7 being more expensive.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, I have a Braun series 5 5197cc, since last week the shaver has stopped working. It would be in the locked mode even if I pressed 3 seconds to unlock it, and sometimes it would turn on for around 3 seconds and then stop again.
Unfortunately mine ran out of warranty and I took it back to the service centre. They said the circuit board was faulty and wants USD50 for it.
I did some searching online and it seems like a common problem with Braun not just series 5 but also 7 & 9. I am wondering if you’ve encountered this problem?
Hi Martin,
Sorry to hear about that, I personally didn’t have to deal with something similar so far. I have seen some reports of circuit board failures with Braun shavers, but only a handful. There may be more though, it’s almost impossible to get an objective overview of something like this. Service center repairs are usually pricey if the shaver is out of warranty. In this case, it’s up to you if you decide to go ahead with the replacement of the board or get a new shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
If I had already braun series 5, and have the cleaning station, can I use braun series 7 with this station
Unfortunately no, they are not compatible.
Hello Ovidiu
I want to buy a first time electric shaver to shave my head about once a month.
I found two that are the same price Panasonic Arc 3 ESST25 (13,000 rpm) and Braun series 5 5140s. Each for around USD 140.
Please help.
Hey,
So you would like an electric shaver exclusively for your head? Just to make sure I understand correctly. In that case, please keep in mind that electric shavers will only work well on short hair, especially when shaving the head (less than 2mm). If you’ll be using it once a month, you’ll definitely need to pre-trim your hair using a dedicated hair trimmer.
Both the Arc 3 and the Series 5 should work decently as head shavers — again, provided that the hair is reasonably short. The Arc 3 should be able to shave a bit closer though.
I also wrote a guide on electric shavers suitable for the head, you can check it out here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for the excellent web site, Ovidiu. You do everyone a great service!
I have a quick question. I can buy a previous generation Series 5 (5190cc) and a similarly equipped Series 7 from the new 70 generation for virtually the same price. Which would you buy if you were facing the same choice? (I am an average shaver, like you seem to be.)
David B.
Hi David,
The Series 5 5190cc would be my choice. In my experience it’s just better — especially the cassette seems superior to the new Series 7 generation. It’s easier to use, the head conforms better to the face, it catches difficult hair more efficiently and it’s gentler as well. And finally, I think the cleaning station is a bit more practical without that arm that sticks out.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks again for your very helpful advice, Ovidiu. A new 5195cc arrived yesterday, and my first impressions could not be more favorable!
The last full size Braun I owned was a 7526, and I can already tell that the newer generation provides a much quicker quality shave. I am also impressed with the cleaning station (my first one), though I find the cleaning level selector pretty useless. After one short shave on a clean face with light to average whiskers, it selected a “three droplet” cleaning.
I have a question regarding the 5 minute quick charge that is not covered in the user manual but is listed on the box. Is there a way to select the 5 minute charge, and does the razor indicate when a five minute charge is reached? Or is this an operation that I need to initiate and time for myself?
With thanks and regards,
David B.
Hi David,
You are very welcome! That’s awesome, I’m really glad you like it.
Do not mind too much the cleaning programs — Braun stations tend to overestimate this quite often. And it happens particularly with their Series 9 cc models. I currently own three of those and the stations would simply select the intensive cleaning program even after a quick dry shave. But the differences between those programs are pretty small, so I wouldn’t be too worried about it.
As for the quick charge, there’s no way to select it, it’s just there by default and as long as you plug the shaver in for roughly 5 minutes, you should have enough charge for a quick shave. Some shavers (from Philips) do indicate when the quick charging is complete, but not this one.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I notice you have said that the Arc shavers are closer than the brauns.
I have a Braun 5140s and my dad wants a shaver too.
He is either looking at the Braun 5140s or a 7893s.
We dont have any experience with an Arc, but (in the same price range… £80 to £100) do you think Arc is worth it? or does Braun come out on top for you?
Kind regards,
Marc
Hi Marc,
The Braun (Series 5 and 7) and the Panasonic Arc 5 excel at different things. The Arc 5 is more powerful and shaves closer and in my opinion it’s particularly well suited for men with very coarse, thick, dense hair that shave more often. And that’s because the Arc 5 isn’t as effective on longer or flat-lying hairs. It will require more strokes especially if the hairs grow in different directions. It’s also not quite as comfortable as a Braun during a dry shave.
So they’re all really good shavers, it’s just that you’ll have to decide which one makes more sense for your father depending on his needs.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great article!
Another big feature with the series 7 is that the head itself swivels around whereas with the series 5, only the foils swivel and not the head
Hi John,
Thank you for the comment, glad you found the post useful.
Your observation is correct in the case of the new Series 5 which does have a fixed head. However, the older generation I’m referring to in this comparison actually has a swiveling head, just like the Series 7.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu