Panasonic Arc5 Vs Braun Series 9 (2023 Full Comparison)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

The full round-up of the Panasonic Arc5 vs Braun Series 9 starts now, and it really is a battle between the Titans.

Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc5 are the two best electric razors on the market.

These two are arguably the most powerful, advanced, and capable electric razors you can buy today.

The question is, which of these two monster razors is best for you?

So we’re going to go over everything there is to know about these two products and the differences between them.

We’re going to cover all the questions you may have regarding overall performance and affordability when it comes to choosing between the Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor and the Braun Series 9.

Get a fair chance comparison from Braun Series 9 vs Panasonic Arc 5 here!

Panasonic Arc5 Vs Braun Series 9: Overview

Both the Panasonic arc 5 and Braun series 9 are known as the best shavers for men. To determine the comparison between Panasonic arc 5 vs Braun Series 9. First, let’s go all aspects that you need to know about these two shavers.

Braun Series 9 Overview

View On AmazonBraun’s newest and most advertised line of razors is the Series 9. This series replaced the Braun Series 7, a previously popular model with outdated technology, but Series 7 is still a great choice that won’t disappoint.

This is where it gets a little confusing. Series 9 is divided into two distinct generations: the original Series 9 and the updated Series 9. The original series had issues that were resolved in the updated series.

Updates are relatively small. The models have a titanium-coated HyperLift & Cut Trimmer. These models are also available in silver. The renewed Series 9 can be recognized by the clear gold foil. All models in the updated series are wet/dry.

The updated models last longer. Occasionally the shaving head of the original Series 9 models would break after heavy use. Otherwise, there really isn’t a significant difference in performance (although there may be a price difference).

Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor Overview

View On AmazonThe Panasonic Arc5 electric shaver has five ultra-sharp and precision-ground 30-degree nanotech blades with an ultra-thin arc foil that work together to follow the facial contours of your face.

This provides a fast, close-up, and comfortable shave that takes very little time.

This is a 2-in-1 shaver with a built-in pop-up trimmer that you can use for your mustache and sideburns.
]This shaver can also be used both wet and dry so that you can use it both in and out of the shower without any problems.

It also features a multi-flex pivoting head that glides effortlessly to follow the individual contours of your face for an even more personalized experience.

This makes accidental cuts much less likely than possible. Move seamlessly across your face, chin, neck, and jaw without snagging.

You shave much more comfortably, and there are even built-in shaving sensor monitors that can detect differences in beard density. It detects the beard density 220 times/sec and adjusts the power 14 times/sec while shaving.

This allows the shaver to automatically adjust the shaving power according to what you need to do.

This shaver is equipped with a linear and powerful motor that can deliver an impressive (up to) 70,000 shaves per minute and maintain peak power until the end of each battery charge.

There is also an LCD battery indicator with ten different phases to see the battery status at a glance.

Finally, it is fully rechargeable, portable, and travel-friendly.

Braun Series 9 Vs Panasonic Arc 5: Build & Design

Let’s take a closer look at the features of each shaver:

Build Quality

No real problems here either. Both razors are built to last. Traditionally, Braun has been an innovator in razor design. But today, Panasonic has definitely caught up with quality.

The Braun Series 9 is primarily plastic with chrome, silver, or a glossy black finish. While the shaver will remain functional over the years, the appearance of the plastic will likely fade over time. This is especially true if the shaver is often wet.

The Braun Series 9 also shows fingerprints quite easily. The only exception here is the 9290cc which has a silver matte finish. If you want your shaver to always look like new, avoid the glossy finish.

The early generations of the Arc 5 have a plastic housing similar to the Braun Series 9. The most recent version of the Arc 5 is made of metal. This makes the shaver stronger, more durable, and certainly more beautiful than the Series 9.

Blade System

The Panasonic Arc 5 has a 5-blade system with 5 nanotech precision blades that provide smoothness while shaving. Panasonic calls these elements Precision Outer Foils and they are tilted at a 30° angle to follow the contours. At the heart of the blade system is the Advanced Slit Blade for flat-lying hair, which is hidden by the center trimmer.

These shaving elements also float when you apply pressure to your skin, as do the outer blades. A great job to finish the shave after the trimmer cuts the stubborn hairs on the neck’s nape. I really appreciated that Panasonic reinforced the shaving head in the Arc 5 with hypoallergenic steel – not only do you get a close shave, but it’s painless too!

The Braun Series 9 reveals a more aggressive approach to the blade systems. It’s 5 shaving elements include 2 active trimmers for guilty hair: a titanium-coated Lift & Cut Trimmer for flat-lying hair and the Direct & Cut Trimmer from the previous Braun series for the same purpose. In addition to these trimmers, we get 2 OptiFoils for stubble and a Skin Guard for smoothing.

The question here: are two trimmers better than one in this case?

The answer really depends on your skin type. People with sensitive skin may be intolerant of two groomers mercilessly plowing their facial hair. I have no skin allergies, and while I appreciate that the Series 9 aims to provide a great user experience with every stroke, I still see some temporary red marks on my neck due to the titanium-coated trimmer.

However, I’m still thankful that the Series 9 still manages to get rid of the stubble and flat hair on my neck and along my jawline that most electric razors aren’t very good at.

On the other hand, the Panasonic Arc 5 has struck a balance between removing flat-lying hairs and being kind to my skin, especially with these hypoallergenic blades that work similarly to the Braun Series 9’s Skin Guard. Because it’s a matter of taste, I would give them both big kudos for mastering the most meticulous hair.

Trimmer

Do you need to care for or touch up the hair on your head? Both the Arc 5 and Series 9 have long hair trimmers.

The Arc 5 trimmer is located behind and perpendicular to the shaving head. Here, the large head is actually a drawback. It’s in the way of the trimmer. For best access, remove the shaving head and blades.

The Series 9 trimmer slides forward. Although it does not go beyond the shaving head, it is much easier to access. On the other hand, the trimmer on the Arc 5 is clearly stronger and faster.

If you need an occasional trim, the Arc 5 will work. But if you need to use the clippers often, the Series 9s are much easier to access and use.

Grip

A terrible grip is enough to make your shaving experience disappear down the drain. So I couldn’t miss evaluating how I’m holding up the two giants of the razor industry. One look at the Panasonic Arc5, and you’ll notice the glossy, metallic finish on the plastic, which has remained unchanged from previous generations. The grip starts smooth until it thickens as you move towards the shaving head.

One thing I didn’t like about this shaver is the lack of firmness in the grip – it feels absolutely slippery, and I left almost dropped it once because I wasn’t careful. I wish Panasonic had widened the grip a bit so I could hold it with confidence.

There’s no doubt that I fell in love with the Braun Series 9 grip. Despite the matte appearance of the materials, the Braun Series 9 feels like one uniform piece of hardened plastic in hand. It also has a rubber backing to enhance the firmness of the grip further – it has the right amount of thickness for almost all palm shapes.

Panasonic Arc 5 vs Braun Series 9: Shaving Performance

This review would not be complete without a closer look at the shaving performance. Each of these savers seems to be performing well, but let’s break things down a bit more. This way, you can take a closer look at each shaver to see which shaver suits you best.

Shaving Closeness

When comparing rotary vs foil shavers, foil shavers generally offer the best shaves. (excluding safety razors, of course).

Both the Arc 5 and Braun Series 9 are no exception. You probably won’t be disappointed either.

However, if you’re looking for the absolute closest shave possible, I’ll give the advantage (no pun intended) to the Arc 5.

Panasonic combines many factors. The unique arc of the foils molds to the contours of your face. In addition, the blades of the Arc 5 also have a relatively high level of 30 degrees relative to the blades.

Shaving Comfort

The Arc 5 may have won the battle for proximity, but shaving is more than that. Another important metric to look at is how comfortable it was to use.
The redesigned shaving head, more powerful motor, and skin guard make the Series 9 one of the most comfortable electric shavers to use.

If you have sensitive skin, this is the better option of the two.

Using the Series 9 is effortless and offers excellent comfort. It uses a less powerful motor than Arc 5, meaning the blades don’t get hot.

You would have to push really hard to make the Series 9 uncomfortable to use.

The Panasonic Arc5 electric razor doesn’t offer that much margin because it heats up quickly.

Choosing between these shavers comes down to proximity versus comfort. If you prefer a very close shave or extremely thick facial hair, the Arc 5 would be a good option.

Otherwise, the Series 9 would be an excellent option for men who value comfort over speed and closeness.

The heat generated by the powerful motor and five cutting elements will irritate sensitive skin.

Panasonic solves this in their third-generation Arc 5 shavers by adding two comfort rollers with a layer of protection.

Despite this upgrade, the Series 9 is still the better option when it comes to comfort.

Shaving Time

How long it takes to finish shaving depends on many different factors, but the Arc 5 really has the edge in these circumstances.

Most shavers can now handle thick and tangled beards without too much effort. But the Panasonic Arc 5 has an impressive new motor that is super fast and powerful.

It runs at (up to) 70,000 CPM, one of the fastest shaving motors available at the time. So if you’re looking for the fastest shave possible, this might be the product for you.

Wet or Dry Shave

Both shavers offer a wet or dry shaving option. This means you can take your shaver in the shower and use your gels and foams for a very smooth experience or use them in the sink for emergencies.

In addition, both shavers are waterproof and easy to use. and rinse them under running water.

Battery

Both shavers are completely cordless for your convenience, meaning you can shave much more freely wherever you are, and they can also be plugged into a wall outlet so you can use them when they’re empty (dry only).

They also both take about an hour to charge fully, so there are no differences, and you can use them after five minutes of charging, even if you need to be fast.

Braun 9 Series Vs Panasonic Arc 5: Cleaning & Maintenance

Your shaver should be cleaned regularly. Fortunately, both models have options for automatic cleaning.

Braun is widely known as the manufacturer of the best-built cleaning stations.

The alcohol solution they use is excellent at cleaning, disinfecting, and lubricating the blades.

It’s a pretty efficient system that works quickly.

However, that would be it if we compare the first generation Arc 5 cleaning station to the Series 9.

Panasonic has upgraded the cleaning station in subsequent releases, which improved usability.

If you fancy the Panasonic, make sure you buy at least the second generation. These improved devices were easier to use and less bulky. It also didn’t have the leaking problem that some consumers had.

You can save money by buying the model without a cleaning station as it is easy to clean manually.

Now let’s switch to Braun, and I would highly recommend getting one with the cleaning and charging dock.

Hair and gunk often get trapped and are more difficult to remove with running water or a brush.

The Braun cleaning station does an excellent job of keeping the foils and blades hair-free and dead skin.

Please note that the residue must be rinsed off before placing it on the cleaning station when shaving with shaving foam or gel.

No need to using the cleaning and charging station every time you shave.

Once a week is enough to keep the blades clean, and the rest of the time, just rinse by hand.

Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor Pros & Cons:

Braun Series 9 Pros & Cons:

Which Shaver Provides Better Value for Money?

To conclude our Panasonic Arc5 vs. Braun Series 9 comparison, keep in mind that shaving with electric razors is a costly undertaking – you may want to factor in the foil replacements you have to buy annually. Sometimes there is a fancy word for these replacement foils: cassettes.

Panasonic recommends replacing both the outer foils and the inner precision blades in Arc5 once a year. It delivers these expensive WES9032P cassettes in a set that consists of both parts. If you want a glimpse of these replacements, check them out here.

Conversely, Braun agrees that we should only replace the outer foils every 18 months to keep the Series 9 top shape. It still produces compatible 92S cartridge cartridges that are compatible with razors. Not only will you replace foils less frequently, but you’ll also get cost-effective replacements with the Series 9 – check them out here.

Our battle hits a roadblock, though, as the Series 9 has a higher price tag than the Arc5. So if you count the replacements, you’ll pay the same amount if you choose either one.