Braun Series 7
Our Verdict
The Braun Series 7 is our recommended shaver for most people. It delivers excellent shaving performance and feels comfortable during use. The Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc5 may deliver closer shaves, but the Series 7 is the best bang for the buck.
We prefer models from the older generation like the Series 7 790cc, which provide a slightly better shave than the newer models.
Pros
- Great Shaving Performance
- Close Shave
- Convenient Clean & Charge Station
Cons
- Older Models Offer Better Shave
- Outdated Design
- Confusing Model Lineup
In early 2020, Braun released a new generation of the Series 7. These cheaper models have been completely redesigned and feature a different shaving head than the old Series 7. This review covers all versions and generations of the Braun Series 7.
Key Advantages
- Cheaper Price
- Easier To Hold
- Longer Battery Life
- Attachable Beard Combs For Trimming
Key Advantages
- Closer Shave
- More Comfortable Shave
- Better Build Quality
- Built-In Trimmer
Even though it was released over a decade ago, the Series 7 remains one of the best-selling shavers on the market today. Despite newer models from Braun and competitors, it remains the top pick for most people.
So why is the Series 7 still our top choice?
The Braun Series 7 delivers the right mix of shaving performance, comfort, features, and price. Braun originally released the Series 7 as their top-of-the-line shaver, but it is now surpassed by the Series 9. The Series 9 offers a more modern design and a slight improvement in shaving comfort, but most people will be happy with the Series 7.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Braun Shaver Lineup
While Braun has updated the Series 7, newer doesn’t always mean better. The latest generation of the Series 7 features more plastic throughout the body, most notably in the shaving head. Unfortunately, the newest models of the Series 7 do not feel as well built as the older design of the Series 7.
So which Braun Series 7 is the best? We prefer the shaving performance and features of the 790cc to the newer models but read on if you want to make that decision yourself.
Old Series 7 Models (Better Shave)
Model | Accessories | ||
 OUR PICK | Braun Series 7 790cc |
| |
 | Braun Series 7 7865cc |
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 | Braun Series 7 7893s |
|
New Series 7 Models (Updated Design)
Model | Accessories | ||
 | Braun Series 7 7075cc |
| |
 | Braun Series 7 7071cc |
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 | Braun Series 7 7020s |
|
Series 7 Generations
While Braun may sell multiple models of the Series 7 simultaneously, determining which generation it is from is easy. To determine the generation and features of a shaver, look at the model number and match it up to the table below. Remember that even within generations of the Series 7, features and included accessories may be different by model.
| Braun Series 7 Generation | Model #s |
|---|---|
| First Generation | 7xx |
| Second Generation | 78xx |
| Third Generation (Released in 2020) | 70xx |
Which Braun Series 7 model should I purchase?
While the third generation Series 7 are the newest models, we still recommend the first or second generation (7xx or 78xx) if they are available. The performance is excellent, the shavers are well built, and we prefer the trimmer and clean & charge station from those generations.
OUR PICK
The Braun Series 7 790CC may not be from the latest generation, but it delivers excellent performance, a capable cleaning station, and all the features you want. The design may look outdated, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
First Generation (Models 7xx) & Second Generation (Models 78xx)
The first and second-generation shavers utilize the same shaving heads, are cosmetically nearly identical, and the features are the same between the models that are still being sold. However, some of the first-generation models do not include Wet & Dry shaving capability.
We recommend shaving with dry skin for best results but look at the second or third-generation models if you are interested in shaving in the shower or with shaving gel.
The earliest models included an induction drying feature in the cleaning station, but none of the Series 7 shavers sold today have that feature. We suspect that as Braun released a new top-of-the-line model, the Series 9, they decided to reserve that feature for only that model line.
Third Generation (Models 70xx)
Released in early 2020, the third generation of the Series 7 includes the most changes since its original release. The third-generation models share very little with the previous two generations, except for the name.
The design of the shaver is now much more modern and similar to the Series 9. The shaving head has been redesigned and now features a head that can pivot sideways and side to side.
The previous generations of the Series 7 only allowed the shaving head to pivot up and down. Despite the increased flexibility, the overall quality feels like it has been cheapened.
With the new shaving head, the build quality feels more like the Series 3 or Series 5, rather than the Series 7 shaving head it was designed to replace. The new shaving head is larger and features more plastic than the old Series 7 shaving head. The shaving foils have also been placed deeper into the mold, reducing the movement each cutting element can move within the shaving head.
Overall, the shaving head’s design seems to result in a slight decrease in shaving comfort. The increased use of plastic reduces the ease at which the shaver glides over the skin. In addition, the redesigned shaving head doesn’t feel quite as effective at getting all the hair in one pass.
Braun appears to have decided that the old Series 7 and Series 9 performance and price were too close to each other and took advantage of the Series 7 redesign to better position each shaver. As a result, the shaving comfort, particularly in hard to shave areas, is not quite as good. In addition, the cleaning station now only offers one cleaning mode versus the three modes offered on older models.
An upgraded battery LED and travel lock feature has been added to the shaver. In addition, the ecosystem of the Series 7 has been expanded to allow attachable pieces such as beard trimming combs and a replaceable trimmer instead of a pop-up trimmer.
When you need to trim your beard or shave, the newest models of the Series 7 offer you the flexibility of one tool to do both.
In summary, the new Series 7 models offer great shaving performance and are even more affordable than ever before. The shaving experience isn’t as great as with the old models but will still be good enough for most people. Therefore, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the new Series 7 models. However, if given a choice, we would still choose a model from the first or second generation if they are available.
OUR PICK
Braun Series 7
790cc
Key Advantages
NEW DESIGN
Braun Series 7
7075cc
Key Advantages
Performance and Features
Shaving Performance
All of the Series 7 shavers include three active shaving elements and the SkinGuard, which Braun claims helps protect the skin. In practice, we have found that the Series 7 provides a close shave without as much irritation as other foil shavers.
The first and second generations of the Series 7 provide the option to change the power setting that is used. In theory, this should allow you to choose a more powerful setting when shaving the face or thicker stubble and a lower and more comfortable setting when shaving the neck.
The newest generation includes what Braun calls “AutoSense” which is supposed to automatically adjust the speed the shaver is operating at based on the density of your beard.
In practice, neither of these features seem to have a significant impact on shaving performance. When using the shaver, we use the fastest setting and haven’t experienced any problems with comfort. If you have previously owned a shaver and prefer to control the power level, stick to the previous generations that allow you to adjust the settings.
The AutoSense in the newest generation does not appear to make a big difference in shave quality and removes the ability for the user to adjust the power.
Compared to Braun’s lower-end models (like the Series 3 or Series 5), the Series 7’s increased speed and built-in micro-vibrations reduce the number of times you need to shave the same area. However, while the vibrations do a great job of lifting hair off the face, they make the shaver noticeably louder. This can take some time to get used to.
We have found that the Series 7 can shave stubble up to 2 days without much trouble. This is certainly an improvement over the lower-end models, but keep in mind that you may want to shave more often to reduce pulling and irritation if you have a dense beard.
Overall the shaving quality is excellent on all generations of the Series 7. The shaver delivers enough power to penetrate thicker stubble better than lower-end models, and the shaving head can cut more hair in one pass than some other models. With this, you will get both a better and more comfortable shave than with many other shavers.
Battery Performance
All models of the Series 7 provide about 50 minutes of use with a full charge. The battery life is comparable to other electric shavers and is ample for a short trip. Most models of the Series 7 support wet or dry shaving, which prevents the shavers from being used while charging, but a 5-minute quick charge option is available.
Our top pick, the Braun Series 7 790cc, can only be used with a dry shave, but we think most people will experience a better shave with a dry shave than a wet shave.
An LED indicator is on the bottom of the shavers for the earlier generations an upgraded display is provided on the handle for the latest generation.
Cleaning, Charging and other accessories
Depending on the Series 7 you choose, you may have a cleaning station or accessories that are not available in every model. For example, models that end with a “cc” include a cleaning and charging station.
One of the biggest changes between the new Series 7 models and the previous generations is a new cleaning station called the SmartCare center. Despite differences between the old cleaning station and the SmartCare Center, both serve the same purpose and are recommended for most people.
While the SmartCare Center uses the same cleaning refills as the previous version of the Clean & Charge station, due to the redesign of the shavers, the cleaning station must match the generation of the shaver you’re using.
Unlike the older Clean & Charge station, which intelligently selected between three different cleaning modes, the SmartCare center included with the Series 7 offers only one cleaning mode. However, these changes make no difference to the shaver’s lubrication or cleanliness.
Electric shavers have been criticized for their closeness and discomfort when shaving. By keeping your shaver clean and lubricated, you will provide the right environment for your shaver to perform for every shave.
The Series 7 can be cleaned and lubricated manually. However, we have found the additional time and effort required to justify the higher price tag of the models with a cleaning station.
The first and second generations of the Series 7 had a trimmer built into the shaver’s body. This trimmer would pop up to clean up around the sideburn, neck, and nose areas. We found it a handy feature that didn’t require you to manage additional attachments for your shaving routine.
With the newest generation of the Series 7, the pop-up trimmer is gone, and you must remove the shaving head to attach the trimmer attachment. Unfortunately, Braun failed to incorporate this consideration when designing the travel case, and the attachment does not fit. As a result, you will now have to keep your eye on the attachable trimmer while traveling to ensure you don’t lose it.
Even though we preferred the built-in trimmer of the previous models, the new design allows for additional attachments to be used with the 70xx models. In addition, some updated models come with beard guards that can help you trim your beard, although we recommend using a dedicated trimmer instead.
Series 7 Model Comparison & Recommendations
Regardless of generation, the Series 7 offers an excellent shave for the price. It will not deliver the closest shave (Panasonic Arc5) or the most comfortable shave (Braun Series 9), but it offers the best balance of both for the price.
Our choice, the Braun Series 7 790cc, includes the cleaning station and pop-up trimmer that we prefer.
If you prefer the more modern design of the newest Series 7 or the attachable trimmer, we would recommend the Series 7 7075cc with the included cleaning station.
OUR PICK
Braun Series 7
790cc
Key Advantages
NEW DESIGN
Braun Series 7
7075cc
Key Advantages
Alternative Shavers
The Series 7 is one of the most popular electric shavers on the market, and for most people, we believe it is the best mix between price, performance, and features.
Braun Series 9
The Braun Series 9 builds on the Series 7 to deliver a slightly closer and more comfortable shave. The Series 9 is Braun’s most advanced shaver with some additional features over the Series 7. For example, the cleaning station included with some Series 9 models has an automatic drying feature. In addition, the shave head is upgraded with a four-cutting element shaving head versus the three cutting elements on the Series 7.
Related: Braun Series 9 Review
Panasonic Arc5
Panasonic’s Arc5 delivers the closest shave of any electric shaver we have reviewed. Like the Series 7, the Arc5 received an update in 2019 that modernizes the design but still provides an excellent shave. So if your top priority is to get the closest shave available, the Panasonic Arc5 will deliver.
Related: Panasonic Arc5 Review
Philips Norelco 9000
If you tend to let your stubble grow out for more than two days, you may want to consider a rotary shaver. The Philips Norelco 9000 is our top rotary shaver and will handle longer stubble better than any foil shaver. While this can be an advantage for some people, we have found that you will get a much closer shave with the Series 7 than any rotary shaver.
Related: Philips Norelco 9000 Shaver Review
Final Thoughts
Braun has delivered the biggest update to the Series 7 in over a decade to bring it more in line with the rest of the Braun shaving lineup. However, the Series 7 still provides excellent shaving performance and feels comfortable during use even with this update.
While it doesn’t provide the closest shave, the Series 7 has several features that allow for a consistent shave, making it our top choice for most people.
We believe that most people will be satisfied with any of the Series 7 models, so it is our pick for the best electric shaver. Our recommendation is to choose a model with a clean and charging station for optimal performance and convenience.
Braun Series 7
Braun Series 7 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wet shave with a Braun Series 7?
It depends! Most models of the Braun Series 7 can be used in the shower or rinsed with water while using. Only the first generation of the Series 7 cannot be used wet. We do not recommend using the Braun Series 7 with shaving cream or gel.
First Generation (Models 7xx)
Dry Shaving Only
Second Generation (Models 78xx)
Wet or Dry Shaving
Third Generation (Models 70xx)
Wet or Dry Shaving
How often should I replace the shaving head on the Series 7?
Braun recommends replacing shaving heads every 18 months. To extend the lifespan of your shaving head, be sure to clean it after each use.
How often should I clean Braun Series 7?
You should clean your Braun Series 7 after every use. If you are traveling or do not have a clean and charge station, you should remove the shaving head, rinse it, and allow it to air dry before the next use.
Which shaving head does my Braun Series 7 use?
When replacing the shaving head on your Braun Series 7, buying the correct replacement part for your shaver’s generation is essential. See the table below to make sure you are purchasing the right shaving head.
First Generation and Second Generation (Models 7xx & 78xx)
Series 7 70s Shaving Head
Third Generation (Models 70xx)
Series 7 73s Shaving Head
