Braun Series 9
Our Verdict
The Series 9 delivers the best combination of shaving performance, shaving comfort, and features of any electric shaver we have reviewed. So if we had to choose the best electric shaver on the market today, it would be the Series 9.
It is Braun’s most powerful shaver, which allows it to shave through 2 or 3-day stubble. It also includes Braun’s sonic technology and Skin Guard, which allow it to deliver a comfortable and quick shave.
Pros
- Most Comfortable Electric Shaver
- Excellent Clean & Charge Station
- Close & Fast Shave
Cons
- Limited Additional Features Over Series 7
- Panasonic Arc5 Delivers Closer Shave
- Confusing Model Lineup
When you have the leading product on the market, how do you continue innovating to deliver something worth upgrading to? That is the challenge Braun faced when bringing the Series 9 to market.
The Braun Series 7 is one of the top-selling and top-performing electric shavers on the market today. However, for Braun to be successful, it would require delivering a shaving experience that sets it apart from other electric shavers on the market.
Fortunately, the Series 9 can provide an even better shave, both in comfort and performance, than the Series 7. The Series 9 has a modern design, improved shaving head, and a better cleaning station to deliver the best electric shaving experience on the market today.
Braun Series 9 Models
Braun is now selling the third generation of the Series 9, but the shaving performance, shaving heads, and features are nearly identical between the different generations and models. The most notable change has been an increase in battery life to 60 minutes on the 3rd generation models compared to 50 minutes on the first and second generation.
Our pick, the Braun Series 9 9370cc, includes the Clean & Charge station and offers a slightly longer battery life from the most recent generation.
You can quickly identify which generation the model is from using the model number. For example, if the model includes a cleaning station, it will have a “cc” at the end. If the model includes only a charging stand, it will end with an “s.”
| Series 9 Generation | Model #s |
|---|---|
| First Generation | 90xx |
| Second Generation | 92xx |
| Third Generation | 93xx |
Model | Accessories | ||
 OUR PICK | Braun Series 9 9370cc |
| |
 | Braun Series 9 9330s |
| |
 | Braun Series 9 9385cc |
| |
 | Braun Series 9 9390cc |
|
Performance & Features
Braun has worked hard to continue to innovate while being the market leader in the electric shaving market. Many of the features included in the Series 9 are improvements on features available on the Series 7. One of the most notable changes is a more powerful motor that makes the Series 9 better at shaving longer stubble.
Shaving Performance
Braun describes the Series 9 shaving head as “4+1 Pro Head “, which means it has four cutting elements and a SkinGuard element designed to reduce skin irritation.
The second and third generations of the Series 9 use a new shaving head compared to the first generation. Although shaving heads differ across generations, the performance is very similar. The changes were so minor that replacement heads for the second and third generation will also fit the first generation (90xx) shavers.
Most Series 9 models (all third-generation models) can be used for wet and dry shaving. Unlike some electric shavers, you can also use shaving cream with these shavers. Many electric shavers that support wet operations are only intended to be used in the shower and do not recommend using shaving cream.
The Series 9 is one of the most effective shavers for shaving stubble of two or three days. Many shavers, including the Series 7, struggle when shaving thick or long stubble. Because the Series 9’s motor is more powerful, two or three days of stubble was no problem.
In our experience, dry shaving provides the closest shave when using electric shavers, so we recommend using the Series 9 in a dry environment with dry skin. Please note that these shavers cannot be used while charging, but they all support a 5-minute rapid charging mode.
The Braun Series 9 consistently provides the closest shave in the least amount of time compared to Braun’s other electric shavers. Even though the Series 7 can achieve the same close shave, it can take more time or passes over the same area to achieve the same results.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Braun Shaving Lineup
Battery Performance
The battery life is about 50 minutes in the first and second generations, while in the third generation, the battery capacity is larger. This results in 20% more run-time, equivalent to about 60 minutes of use.
| Series 9 Generation | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| First Generation (Models 90xx) | 50 Minutes |
| Second Generation (Models 92xx) | 50 Minutes |
| Third Generation (Models 93xx) | 60 Minutes |
Advanced Features
While Braun has continued to innovate on their shaving heads and performance, most of their recent innovations and differences have come from advanced features they incorporate in their higher-end models.
The Series 9 showcases many of these features beyond shaving performance. We consider most of these features informational rather than a factor when making a purchase decision because it is difficult to confirm if they make a difference in shaving performance.
All models include an informational LED that shows the battery & cleaning status. The shaver also comes with an automatic sensing feature that can adjust the speed according to the length and density of a beard.
According to Braun, the newest (third generation) of the Series 9 has a chip that will adjust for optimal shaving power more quickly. Unfortunately, it is challenging to measure this feature, and we were just as pleased with shaving performance from the previous generations using a less capable chip.
Performance Tracker
Certain Series 9 models offer a performance tracker as one of their unique features. However, it is merely an informational LED screen that displays the current battery status and when the shaver must be cleaned.
Since we recommend using a model with a clean and charge station after every shave, these two extra features are not helpful to most people.
Cleaning, Charging and other accessories
Please note that not all Series 9 models come with a Clean & Charge station. Models ending in “cc” will include a Clean & Charge station, whereas models ending in “s” will not.
Braun’s Series 9 models differ primarily due to different cleaning and charging options and accessories. All models come with a cleaning brush and charging cable, but only some come with optional accessories such as a charging stand, travel case, or cleaning & charging station.
Several Series 9 models include Braun’s familiar clean and charge station. One touch of a button allows you to charge, lubricate, and clean your shaver. A fully charged, lubricated, and cleaned shaver is one of the most significant factors in getting a smooth shave.
Braun’s cleaning station has multiple cleaning modes and built-in intelligence that selects the appropriate one depending on how dirty your shaver is.
The Series 9 cleaning station is the only model that includes active drying. In our experience, this is especially useful when you’re looking to clean the shaver right before using it. When shaving with dry skin, using a wet shaver can make it more challenging to glide over the skin without tugging. After a cleaning cycle with the Series 9 cleaning station, you do not have to worry about the shaving head being wet.
Despite the recurring cost of cleaning cartridges, we recommend that most people purchase a model with a clean and charge station.
Unless you are willing to clean the shaver after every use and lubricate it periodically, letting the station handle it will result in a much more satisfying experience.
Series 9 models that do not include the clean and charge station instead come with a charging stand. Usually, the price difference is minimal between models with the cleaning station and those that don’t have it, so we recommend choosing a model that includes it.
OUR PICK
Braun Series 9
9370cc
WITHOUT CLEANING STATION
Braun Series 9
9330s
Manually Cleaning the Series 9
Manually cleaning the Series 9 is relatively easy, even if you choose a model without a cleaning station. Using the Cleaning station will lubricate and clean the shaver at the same time, so don’t forget to do both if you are doing it manually.
Manual cleaning of the Series 9 is relatively simple since it is designed for wet environments.
1. While the shaver is still powered on, rinse the shaver under warm/hot running water. You can also use liquid hand soap on the shaving coils to help with cleaning.
2. Power-off shaver and remove shaving head from the shaver body.
3. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the shaving head to remove hairs and soap residue if you use liquid soap.
4. For the best results, leave the shaving head to dry separate from the body. Then, lubricate the shaving head periodically using lubricating oil to ensure optimal performance.
Alternative Shavers
Although we consider the Series 9 to be one of the best electric shavers on the market, there are a few alternatives to consider.
Braun Series 7
The Braun Series 7 offers nearly the same performance, features, and accessories as the Series 9 with a slightly lower price point. While the performance is close, we found that the Series 9 was slightly faster and easier to shave with than the Series 7. Nevertheless, the Series 7 is our top choice for most people looking for an electric shaver despite this.
Related: Braun Series 7 Review
Panasonic Arc5
The Panasonic Arc5 delivers the closest shave of any electric shaver we have reviewed, even closer than the Series 9. While the shave from the Arc5 might be slightly closer than the Series 9, we found the shaving comfort and the all-around shaving experience to be better on the Series 9. So if you are only interested in the closest shave possible, the Arc5 is your choice. On the other hand, if you want a close, comfortable, and reliable shave, stick with the Series 9.
Related: Panasonic Arc5 Review
Philips Norelco 9000
The Philips Norelco 9000 is another high-end electric shaver that utilizes a different shaving technology, rotary shaving heads, instead of the foil technology that the Series 9 uses. Some people may find the rotating heads that rotary shavers use to be easier to contour around the neck and facial features. We recommend most people to stick with a foil shaver like the Series 9, but the top-of-the-line Philips Shaver 9000 Prestige offers an impressively close shave for those who prefer rotary shavers.
Related: Philips Norelco 9000 Shaver Review
Final Thoughts
Compared to Panasonic and Philips Norelco competitors, the Braun Series 9 feels more well-rounded and balanced. The design is modern, and the shaver feels well built when holding it. A flexible shaving head conforms well to the contours of the face and neck. Even if you don’t use the shaver every day, it has enough power to cut through light stubble.
Featuring the best shave, most features, and a variety of options, the Braun Series 9 is sure to please most people. So if you want the best electric shaver on the market today, look no further.
Braun Series 9
