The Series 5 from Braun is a mid-range line of electric shavers that fills the gap between the entry-level Series 3 and the best-selling Series 7 shavers.
However, if we consider the performance and the overall capabilities of the Series 5, they are a whole lot closer to the Series 7 than the Series 3.
Factor in that the Series 5 costs less than the Series 7 and is actually better in certain areas and we have the recipe for a very compelling shaver.
Just like with the Series 7 and Series 9, there are many variations of the Series 5 available and Braun doesn’t exactly make it easy for us to spot the differences.
Moreover, the current generation has received an update, making it even more difficult for the potential buyer to decide which model would be more suitable.
In this post we’ll take a close look at all the important differences between the various Series 5 models and see which ones are the best with regards to price and performance.
Table of Contents
A short overview of the Series 5
The current Series 5 from Braun (that this guide is about) is actually at the third generation since the introduction of this line.
Some of the previous (discontinued) models — like the 550cc — can still be found, but in this article, we will only be referring to the current generation.
You can easily tell the current shavers apart from the older ones as they use a 4 letter template for the model names: 50** or 51**.
The 51** shavers are actually part of a small update to the current line that Braun refers to as the Series 5² (more on this in the next section).
The Series 5 is a foil shaver that features a cutting block with three individual elements, just like the Series 7.
It is available with or without a cleaning station and includes variations suitable for wet & dry or dry only use.
Just like other Braun shavers, the ones that include a cleaning station are the CC models (standing for Clean & Charge), like the 5195cc.
Braun Series 5 5195cc
The S (standing for solo) models like for example the 5030s or 5140s don’t come with an automatic cleaning station and will not work with one. The solo models lack a dedicated chip that is used to communicate with the cleaning station.
The price of the solo Series 5 models is usually lower (the performance is however identical).
Braun Series 5 5145s
The Braun Series 5 is an electric shaver capable of providing comfortable and close shaves, similar to the more expensive and highly acclaimed Series 7.
While the Series 5 lacks the micro-pulsations technology and personalization modes found on the Series 7, this doesn’t seem to make a significant difference in real-life use.
The shaving head of the Series 5 is almost identical to the one used by the Series 7, but it costs less.
Moreover, since the shaver itself is also priced lower, has a better head locking mechanism and a better display, I would even say that the Series 5 represents a great alternative for most men.
And that’s quite something since the Series 7 was and still is to some degree the unofficial benchmark for shaving comfort and it also gained some sort of iconic status in the industry.
The updated Series 5²
Braun also rolled out an update for the current Series 5 shavers, called the Series 5².
These updated models are now available for purchase — like the 5190cc, 5195cc and 5145s. However, after taking a close look at their specifications it’s obvious that this is — for the most part — just a minor makeover.
The updated models are easy to spot as they use the 51** names (for example, 5190cc) instead of the 50** used by the previous Series 5 (like the 5030s or 5090cc).
Just like the updates to the Series 7 and 9, this is also an attempt at unifying the line and making it less confusing for the user to choose a shaver.
For example, all the newer models are now suitable for wet & dry use and Braun even ditched the model names in the official product pages of their UK site. They are only referred to as Braun Series 5 black or Braun Series 5 black/blue.
The Series 5² shavers still use the same shaving heads as the previous ones and I have no reason to believe that the actual shaving performance is anything but identical.
The changes are cosmetic for the most part and include new color schemes and different packaging. The included accessories can differ as well. For example, some models don’t include a soft travel pouch.
Other visual changes are the S5 and Wet & Dry text on the front part of the shaver and a new 3 level battery display indicator.
The Series 5² shavers are credited with a 50-minute battery running time, while the older ones last for 45 minutes.
It’s very difficult to say if they actually use higher capacity batteries or Braun simply changed their testing methodology. A 5-minute difference is not by any means significant.
Probably the most important feature of the updated shavers in the so-called AutoSense Technology.
With this new addition, the shaver is supposedly capable of reading your beard’s density and adjusting the output of the motor accordingly: less power for shaving thin hairs and more for dense beards.
In theory, this sounds good; however, in real-life use, it doesn’t seem to make a difference.
Having used various shavers with this type of technology, including Panasonic and Braun’s very own Series 7 with its personalization modes, I very much prefer shaving with full-on power at all times.
Artificially altering the power output just makes the shaver feel slow without any benefits to comfort or efficiency.
For these reasons, I don’t consider the updated models to be a clear step up from the previous Series 5, so either would be an equally good option.
Below you’ll find a table with the differences between the Braun Series 5 and Series 5² models.
| Model | Cleaning station | Color | Display / running time |
|---|---|---|---|
5090cc, dry only | Yes | Black, red accents, silver head | 5 levels, 45 minutes |
5040s, wet & dry | No | Black, blue accents, black head | 2 levels, 45 minutes |
5030s, dry only | No | Black, red accents, black head | 3 levels, 50 minutes |
5020s, dry only | No | Black, red accents, black head | 3 levels, 45 minutes |
5197cc, wet & dry | Yes | Black, silver head | 3 levels, 50 minutes |
5195cc, wet & dry | Yes | Black, blue & black accents, silver head | 3 levels, 50 minutes |
5190cc, wet & dry | Yes | Black, blue accents, silver head | 3 levels, 50 minutes |
5145s, wet & dry | No | Black, blue & black accents, black head | 3 levels, 50 minutes |
5147s, wet & dry | No | Black, black head | 3 levels, 50 minutes |
5140s, wet & dry | No | Black, blue accents, black head | 3 levels, 50 minutes |
Braun Series 5 comparison: what are the differences?
Currently, these are the most popular models available in the USA and Europe as well: 5090cc, 5040s, 5030s, 5140s, 5145s, 5190cc/5195cc.
As seen in the previous section, the ones that start with 51** are part of a new minor makeover.
I will update this post once I can get one and have it tested thoroughly, but I don’t expect them to bring any significant performance improvements over a 50** model.
So as far as performance is concerned, all the current Series 5 models are identical. Choosing one particular shaver should simply come down to the following factors:
- The inclusion of an automatic cleaning station
- Wet & dry operation
- Price
- Color scheme
- Included accessories
Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Automatic cleaning station
Braun’s clean & charge stations work excellent; they use an alcohol-based solution that cleans and lubricates the shaver and does so extremely well.
The ones that come with the Series 5 are no exception and since Braun’s shaving heads can be more difficult to clean manually compared to other foil shavers, you’ll probably want the cleaning station as well.
Out of all the models from the 50** Series 5 line that come with a cleaning station, the 5090cc is the only one that has a full option cleaning base, including the hygiene analysis and three cleaning modes (short, normal, high intensity).
The other ones cc models in the 50** generation (5070cc, 5050cc) only have one standard cleaning program and they are only available in certain countries.
The shavers in the new Series 5² like the 5190cc or 5195cc use the same cleaning station as the 5090cc with the 3 cleaning modes.
Braun Series 5 5190cc
The 5090cc is getting more difficult to find at this moment, so the 5190cc or 5195cc would be two equally good alternatives.
For more details you can check out our review of the 5090cc.
As for the downsides, the alcohol-based solution tends to evaporate fast, so you’ll want to put the plastic cap back on the cartridge if you won’t be using it for a long time. Here are more tips on how to make the refills last a lot longer.
The stations that come with the Series 5 lack the active drying systems of the more expensive Series 7 (only certain older models) and Series 9 stations — induction heating or a fan.
This means that once the cleaning cycle is over, it will take several hours for the shaving head to dry.
Also, while the cost per cleaning is not that high, it can be higher compared to Panasonic or Philips Norelco as their detergent-based solution seems to last longer before needing to be replaced.
Braun CCR cleaning cartridge
Luckily, there are third-party cleaning solutions that cost a lot less and work just as well.
Please note that if you use shaving cream with your Series 5, you’ll have to manually clean any lather or soap residues before placing the shaver into the cleaning station.
If you fail to do so the cleaning station can eventually clog.
Because of this limitation and the fact that pretty much all Braun shavers are fiddly to clean manually, the Series 5 is probably not the best option if you plan on shaving with cream or gel.
Panasonic and Philips Norelco are better options for wet shaving; stick to Braun mainly for dry shaving.
In my opinion the Series 5 5090cc/5190cc/5195cc are probably the best option for most users; they come with the full-fledged cleaning station and are usually priced right.
Again, the actual shaving performance is identical throughout the entire Series 5 line.
You can of course opt for a solo model like 5140s/5145s and clean it manually, but I think the station is really handy for cleaning the shaver thoroughly a few times a month.
In this manner your costs will be minimal and this will prevent dirt buildups inside the cassette.
2. Wet & dry use
As mentioned previously, using a Series 5 with shaving cream will always imply a manual cleaning, even in the case of the recently released wet & dry models that include the cleaning station.
If this isn’t an issue, then you can opt for the 5040s variation or other models from the updated series (like the 5140/5145s for example).
Since the performance will be the same, you should simply get the cheaper one.
Braun Series 5 5140s
The models that don’t include a cleaning station usually cost less, but that’s not always the case.
The 5140s has a 3 level battery indicator and can’t be used while the shaver is plugged into the mains.
This is a safety precaution that’s present with all wet & dry shavers. The dry only models like the 5090cc or 5030s can also be used when charging via the cord.
3. Price
Price is another factor you should be taking into account when trying to decide which Series 5 to buy.
If you can find a good deal for a particular Series 5 variation that is right for your needs (for example the inclusion of a cleaning station or wet/dry operation) you can go right ahead and buy it.
Which brings me back to the 5195cc or 5190cc that can usually be found at an excellent price considering what you’ll be getting.
Alternatively, the dry only 5030s that will also work while plugged in is probably the best pick for the budget-conscious user.
Braun Series 5 5030s
Since all the Series 5 use the same replacement shaving heads (called cassettes) and the same cleaning cartridges for the stations, the only variable is the price of the shaver itself.
Speaking of the replacement shaving heads, the 52s (silver) and 52b (black), the price you’ll have to pay for replacing them is quite reasonable.
Braun Series 5 52S replacement head
The Series 5 cassettes cost less than the ones needed for the Series 7, 9 or similarly priced Panasonic shavers, like the Arc 4.
As a result, the Series 5 offers excellent value for money.
4. Color scheme
While I never considered color to be a decisive factor when buying an electric shaver, it can be more or less important to some users.
In my opinion, the Series 5 is (in its current form) one of the better looking Braun electric shavers out there.
I particularly like the hefty appearance that goes perfectly with the black color scheme. The red or blue accents really pop and again, work great together.
It seems like a lot of thought has been put into the design of the Series 5 to make it not only function great, but also look great.
The various Series 5 models are only available in black with a splash of blue, red or silver in certain parts. The shaving head has either a black or a silver finish.
The black & blue color scheme of the wet/dry 5140s or the updated 5195cc and 5190cc looks the best in my opinion.
5. Included accessories
Apart from the automatic cleaning station that comes only with the CC models, the included accessories can vary slightly between the different Series 5 shavers.
For example, the 5090cc, 5195cc and 5145s are the only models that come with a hard travel case.
All the other ones only include a soft pouch that offers little to no protection in case of mechanical shocks.
Moreover, the 5190cc and the 5140s from the updated series don’t even include the soft pouch.
On the other hand, all of the Series 5 models come with a plastic protection cap except for the 5090cc, 5195cc and 5145s.
All the Series 5 and Series 5² shavers include a cleaning brush and a charging cord.
Unfortunately, a small bottle of lubricant is not included. That would have been a welcome addition, particularly for the S models that don’t have the cleaning station.
The CC models also include a cartridge for the automatic cleaning station.
Below you’ll find a table with the included accessories for the various Series 5 models.
| Model | Hard travel case | Soft pouch | Plastic cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 5 5090cc | |||
| Series 5 5040s | |||
| Series 5 5030s | |||
| Series 5 5020s | |||
| Series 5² 5197cc | |||
| Series 5² 5190cc | |||
| Series 5² 5195cc | |||
| Series 5² 5145s | |||
| Series 5² 5147s | |||
| Series 5² 5140s |
Which Series 5 should you buy?
When it comes to actually buying a Series 5, there are only a few things that really matter: the inclusion of a cleaning station, wet & dry operation and the price.
The rest of the things that vary throughout the Series 5 line are not that important and, again, won’t affect the performance of the shavers or provide any particular benefits.
The newer models that were introduced — 5197cc, 5190cc, 5195cc, 5147s, 5145s and 5140s — don’t really bring any significant improvements over the 50** shavers.
If you already own a 50** Series 5, an upgrade to the Series 5² is not justified.
Also, if you plan on buying a Series 5 and you’re on the fence on whether to buy one of the 50** or 51** models, just get the one you can find at a better price.
If a certain model looks like a good fit for your needs — for example it comes with a cleaning station and is suitable for dry only use (meaning it will also work corded) — then that’s pretty much all there is to it.
Up until recently, the dry only 5090cc was the pick of the bunch. But since it’s getting phased out, the 5190cc/5195cc represents a very good alternative and the price is also similar.
Braun Series 5 5190cc
Let’s not take a look at the differences between some of the more popular Series 5 models.
Braun Series 5 5090cc vs 5040s
Here are the main differences between the two:
- The 5090cc includes the automatic cleaning station. The 5040s does not.
- The 5090cc is suitable for dry use only, while the 5040s can be used wet or dry. The 5090cc also works with the cord plugged in.
- The 5090cc comes with a hard travel case; the 5040s comes with a soft pouch.
- The 5090cc features a black, red and silver color scheme, while the 5040s is black with blue accents.
- The 5090cc features a 5 level battery display, while the 5040s’ display only has a 2.
How do they shave? Exactly the same. The 5090cc would be the best option in the majority of cases, while the 5040s should be considered if you plan on using shaving cream and you can get it for (a lot) less.
Braun Series 5 5040s vs 5030s
- The 5040s is a wet & dry electric shaver, while the 5030s can only be used for dry shaving. The latter will also work with the cord plugged in.
- The 5040s features a black & blue color scheme, while the 5030s uses blue for the accents.
- The 5040s has a 2 level battery indicator, while the 5030s has 3.
- The 5040s lasts for 45 minutes with a fully charged battery, while the 5030s should last for 50 minutes.
Braun Series 5 5030s
Which one should you buy? Well, if you need wet/dry capabilities then the 5040s is the one to have. If you don’t then you should pay a bit more and go for the 5090cc instead; it’s basically a 5030s with a cleaning station and a hard travel case.
At least at this moment, the price difference between the 5090cc and the 5030s is marginal.
Braun Series 5 5090cc vs 5190cc/5195cc
If you can’t get the 5090cc anymore, the 5190cc or the 5195cc from the updated Series 5² are two very similar shavers. The 5195cc variation is identical to the 5190cc except for some minor differences in color and the inclusion of a travel case.
Here are the main differences:
- The 5090cc is a dry only shaver that can also be used while charging; the 5190cc is suitable for wet & dry operation and only works cordless;
- The 5090cc and 5195cc come with a hard travel case, while the 5190cc only has a plastic cap instead;
- The 5090cc has a 5-level battery indicator. The newer 5190cc has 3;
- The 5090cc comes in a black and red color scheme, while the 5190cc has blue accents;
- The 5190cc has a beard density sensor. The 5090cc lacks this feature.
So which one should you get? Since the differences between them are not significant, I would simply get the one I can find at a better price.
I do however have a slight bias toward the 5090cc; the hard travel case is really useful and most men will shave dry anyway.
Final word
The Series 5 from Braun should definitely be considered by anyone looking for a high-quality foil shaver that doesn’t have a premium price tag.
In my opinion the Series 5 is the entry point to Braun’s high-quality shavers and a big step up from the entry-level Series 3.
With all the available variations, it can be time-consuming to weed out all the marketing fluff and get to the actual details and features that matter.
Hopefully this post has managed to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the Series 5.
If you have any other questions make sure to post them in the comments section below.
A very informative article. You answered a lot of questions I had. I especially liked the comparison chart. This article made my decision of which series 5 to purchase much easier.
Thank you!
You are very welcome, Thomas. I’m glad to know you found the information useful and that it helped you with your buying decision. Enjoy your new Series 5 shaver!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
How do we tell a genuine replacement series 5 braun head from a Chinese copy?
The best way to avoid getting a knock-off would be to purchase the part from a reputable seller (directly from Brun, a certified Braun reseller or Amazon). It’s difficult to tell some of them apart without having a genuine pack for a direct comparison and many copies are extremely well made. But you will notice a significant performance drop when actually using the head.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Does the Braun 5147s operate with the cord plugged-in?
No, it’s a wet dry shaver and can’t be used while the cord is plugged in.
Thanks so much!
excellent
Thanks for this very good review. Could answer me the following questions: 1. Which are the exact differences between the models 5090cc and 5050cc on the European market – do they really have different cleaning stations and is it worth to go for the higher spec one? 2. Is there also one of the new 51* models that comes with a cleaning station and can be charged during shaving? 3. Does the shaving head come in one part and is manually similarly hard to clean as the series 9 one? 4. Has the cleaning station the same size in comparison to the series 9 one? 5. Is the trimmer any different to the series 9 one which I find quite marrow and I don’t like the slightly round shape? Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Sven,
Thanks for your comment. Regarding your questions:
1. The only difference is indeed the cleaning station and I don’t think it’s worth spending more money on the 5090cc model just for the two extra cleaning modes. The end result of a cleaning cycle will be the same.
2. Since all the 51** models are suitable for wet & dry use, you cannot use them while charging.
3. Yes, the shaving head comes in one part and it’s pretty similar to the Series 9 shaving head in terms of how difficult it is to clean manually.
4. Yes, the stations are pretty much identical (size-wise).
5. The trimmer is the same as the one on the Series 9, maybe just a tad narrower. I had the same gripes with it, I didn’t like the curved profile and it required many strokes to get all the hairs.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Ovidiu
Thank you Ovidiu. Regarding your answer to question 1. – do you have more control over the usage of cleaning fluid with the two extra cleaning modes and would it therefore make sense to go for the higher spec cleaning station? Finally did you also compare the series 5 with the series 9 in one of your recent reviews? I am undecided between the two of them.
You are welcome, Sven. In theory, a short cleaning cycle would be more economical than a high intensity one. I personally haven’t noticed a significant difference between them as all seem to last for 2 to 3 minutes. So I wouldn’t say that you’ll get more cleaning cycles with the 5090cc. The Series 9 is a step up from the Series 5 and 7. It is more enjoyable to use, more refined (it doesn’t vibrate as strongly as the Series 5) and will shave faster. But the closeness of the shave was pretty similar in my case. The Series 9 would be a better pick if you shave less often and have flat lying, wiry facial hair. It definitely handles longer hairs better than the Series 5.
Excellent article. Clear and informative.
Hi Ovidiu
After I read your fantastic article I was thinking to purchase a 5030s, however, this model is not available currently in my country. There is 5050CC model available that actually is chipper than 5030s (Has to be ordeted) . Is there any significant difference between these two models?
Br
Behrouz
Hi Behrouz,
Thank you for your comment. Regarding the differences between Series 5 5030s and 5050cc, there’s really just one – the 5050cc comes with an automatic cleaning station, while the 5030s doesn’t include one. If you can get the 5050cc for even less money, then you should definitely go for that one.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the article, It was very informative! Quick question for you… if I wanted to buy a travel case for the 5197cc, which would get? When I search it, the series 3 hard case comes up. Will that fit it?
You are very welcome, Kris. Since these are third party cases, it’s hard to tell if the one for the Series 3 will accommodate a Series 5 as well. I think it’s safer to simply assume that it won’t. Some universal cases like this one are larger and there’s enough room for the charging cord as well.
Finally, there’s the option of an original Braun hard travel case for the Series 5. You can get it from Braun’s encompass listing here.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks! Definitely does!!
Great article. Thank you for taking the time to provide comparisons. I have an old Series 5 Activator that has lasted about 10 years, but the cord finally broke at the connection point with the shaver, and now I am comparing a Series 9 and the 5040s. I would say the 9 has a much smoother motor (but it costs over $300 CAD) and I just bought the Series 5 for $100, and it came with a replacement foil head as a promotion.
Hi Trajan,
Thank you for your comment. That is correct, the Series 9 is more refined, but then again a lot more expensive. $100 plus a replacement cassette sounds like an excellent deal and I hope you’ll enjoy your shaves with the new Series 5.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
How often should you change the shaving head on a Series 5040S? I use it as wet shaver applying a thin coat of Edge shaving cream.
Thanks.
Hi Roger,
That really depends on how often you shave, how coarse is your facial hair and how well you take care of your shaver (cleaning and lubrication). Braun recommends changing the cassette every 18 months, but depending on the factors I just mentioned you may need to do it sooner or later on. If you do everything right but you notice a drop in performance or comfort that’s a good indication that the shaving head must be replaced.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I currently use a series 3. I find it very comfortable and close enough but it takes time to get all the hairs. What would I gain by upgrading to a series 5?
A Series 5 is more powerful and the shaving unit is superior as well. Having used both the Series 3 and 5, I would have to say that the Series 5 feels a lot faster, it is more comfortable during use and a lot better at shaving longer, flat lying hairs, especially on the neck. The whole shaving experience is more enjoyable with the Series 5. If you have coarse and dense facial hair, the difference will be even more obvious.
In my opinion the Series 5 represents the entry point to Braun’s high quality shavers. That is also reflected by the fact that the Series 5 is very similar to the Series 7 in terms of performance and quality.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great post and thanks for the advice!
Great article and now I’m confused again…
My first and second electrics were Braun Series 3’s. I liked them alright and particularly liked their size and how they looked and felt but they didn’t seem to last that long.
I then switched to a Panasonic ES8103S which I’ve had for several years. I didn’t much like how it looked or felt in my hand but it shaves well, much better than the old Brauns and just seems very dependable.
Now, intending to upgrade, I had decided to spring for the new Panasonic ES-LT3N Arc3, in no small part thanks to your review of it and other articles you wrote.
Now this… Could you address my dilemma again? I dry shave my light to medium beard daily. As an upgrade from my ES8103S, the Panasonic ES-LT3N Arc3 or the Braun 5040s?
Hi Michael,
For shaving a short, light to medium beard any of the two will do just fine. They are similar in the respect that they feature 3 blades, are suitable for wet & dry use and cost roughly the same — the prices can fluctuate though.
Having said that, I would lean more towards the Panasonic ES-LT3N for the following reasons:
– it’s much easier to clean manually;
– it provides a closer shave. Some may get different results, but in most cases the Panny will be better;
– it has better build quality. The latest LT Arc 3 models are huge step up from the previous generation. The Series 5 feels a bit plasticky in comparison;
– Panasonic shavers perform very well when used on short hair. A Series 5 is better at capturing longer, flat lying hairs, but that’s not the case here;
– finally, since you were pleased with the performance of your older Arc 3, opting for a Panasonic should at least in theory be a safer choice.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Dear Ovidiu,
I am hesitating between Series 9 and 5. Can you tell me please which of them allows a 2-way usage, i.e. shaving when the cord is plugged? (I am not interested in cleaning dock, W&D, nor charging dock.). I found many model numbers for US and Europe but can’t figure out which one has this feature. (I will get it delivered to Europe.)
Thank you and best,
Peter
Hi Peter,
For both the Series 5 and 9 the models that can be used with the cord plugged in are the dry only variations. In the case of the Series 5 you can find them in the table in this post (5090cc, 5030s). With the Series 9 only the first generation (dry only) shavers can be used while charging (9090cc, 9093s).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great article keep up the good work
Thank you for your comment, Nikhil! I’m glad you found the article useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
i bought a 5030s from Argos at £75 and am very happy with it.
It DID come with a plastic, protective cap which I think should always be included to protect the delicate foils.
I am a bit taken aback to see Braun recommend 18 months “cartridge” replacement.
That means three replacement represent the cost of a new razor!
However I expect that with careful (and light) use for an ageing face, the heads should last longer than 18 months.
Hi Geoff,
Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you’re enjoying shaving with your Series 5.
Regarding the price of the replacement heads, you are pretty much on point. Three cassettes will amount to the price of a new shaver. However, given the benefits and the convenience of an electric shaver, particularly one that yields great results, I think it’s worth it.
It’s definitely possible to exceed the manufacturer’s 18 months claim. The coarseness of the hair, how often you shave and how well you take care of your razor will ultimately affect the lifespan of the foils and blades.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
I’m new in the Braun world, I had a round electric razor and it was a nightmare, so I want to try the Braun shaver. I saw the series 3 (3040s) with a tentative price, but then I saw the series 5 and it looks really nice, so I don’t know if it worth to pay more for the series 5 or go for the series 3. what are the pros and cons of the two seires ?
And if is the series 3 the best option, which series 3 model? or if is the series 5 the best option, wich series 5 model?… I have a really sencible skin, I’ve never use the electric razor with wet skin because the one I had couldn’t shave with the cream. Sorry for this long question, but I need to choose the right one for a long time.
Hi Daniel,
The Series 3 is a very decent, but ultimately basic electric shaver. In my opinion the Series 5 is clearly superior with regards to shaving performance and I personally would opt for it despite the higher price tag.
It is more powerful, more comfortable and works better for capturing longer, flat lying hairs.
Regarding the actual models, it really comes down to your preferences and needs (wet/dry vs dry only use, automatic cleaning station, price). The actual shaving performance will be the same. In the case of the Series 3, the 3040s seems to be the best pick (wet/dry use, very reasonable price), while the Series 5 5090cc comes with a cleaning station and can usually be bought for an excellent price.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve read all of your reviews and honestly think you’ve done a super job. I have a question about the series 5 vs 7 as i am a little confused . In some of the articles it says the 7 offers no advantage in terms of closeness. In others it says the 7 is better. In terms of closeness of the shave and nothing else , would you say they are the same ? For me no reason to get a 7 if the 5 is the same . Even if it means having to shave 2 minutes longer
Thank you for your comment, Pete. I really appreciate it. Strictly regarding the closeness, I have found them both to be the same. The Series 7 does feel a bit faster when using the highest power setting (the Series 5 doesn’t have any), but the end result is identical, at least in my experience. The Series 5 vibrates quite a lot, you can feel it in your hand and it is also louder when cutting coarse hairs. The Series 7 is more refined, but again, with regards to closeness, there aren’t any differences.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Awesome . . Thanks again. Very informative information
I just purchased the Series 7 (7893) for $199. I still have it in box unopened, and was wondering if I should grab the Series 5 (5140s) for $139 instead. The series 5 comes with a bonus nose\ear trimmer. Both ae wet\dry and noticed in many articles that the locking mechanism is better in the 5, with the shaving being unnoticeable close in both. Is the series 7 that much better, or should I return and grab the 5?
Hi Jay,
I have both and I can honestly say that they are very similar in terms of comfort and closeness (full comparison here). The Series 7 does feel more refined and a bit faster though (on the highest power setting). The Series 5 is louder and vibrates a lot when cutting coarse stubble, but again, the end result is pretty much identical. And yes, the head locking mechanism of the Series 5 is far better. The replacement cutters for the Series 5 are usually cheaper as well. The Series 7 7893s can be used with an automatic cleaning station if you decide to get one later on (you can’t do that with the Series 5).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you Ovidiu,
Deciding today when I am at store. Either way, replacing older Braun 3 with better shaver. And, good point about the replacement parts…. $20 cheaper for that down the road….
jay
What is the difference between Braun series 5 5040s and series 5 5040s flex motion tech wet & dry. This are different models or same?
Please share compression if different.
Hi Rahul,
Both names refer to the same model (5040s, wet & dry use).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
very informative article.
thank you
Thank you for the kind words, hammi! Glad you found it useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for the detail comparison, really enjoy all the informative articles you have here. I bought the 5190cc and as you have rightfully mentioned, Braun series 5 is really good. Have been using it daily and enjoying it. Am new to cleaning station though, thus couple of questions here, hope you can help to shed some light.
1) Do we leave the shaver in there to dry once the cleaning process completed?
2) I notice the cleaning indicator on the shaver still lights up occasionally even though it just went through a cleaning cycle. And it lights up even when the foil head is detached. Curious what triggers the cleaning indicator. Did I probably miss out something in the cleaning process?
Thanks for your help
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your comment. Regarding your questions, you can of course leave the shaver in the station until it’s completely dry. I personally prefer to take it out of the station once it’s fully charged and simply leave it to air dry with the head removed. I mainly do this so I can remove the cartridge from the station and put the cap back on since I won’t be using it again for quite a few days.
As for the cleaning indicator, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I am yet to see an accurate and genuinely useful cleaning indicator on an electric shaver. The one on the Series 5 and on all the other Braun models is just a timer-based indicator, it doesn’t actually evaluate the hygiene state of the shaving head; it just counts how long you have been using the shaver since the last automated cleaning. And it also doesn’t know whether the shaving head is attached or not.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
That certainly helps 🙂 Thanks again Ovidiu!
Hi Ovidiu,
Have been a satisfied user of my 5190cc for the past 6 months, but recently, it will just stop 5-10 seconds into the shave. Battery indicator are full 3 bars, not too sure what’s going on, have you face such situation before?
If, due to any circumstances, it is beyond repair, can I get a replacement to work with the cleaning station? I notice you mentioned that all “s” model are solo and won’t work with cc. Does that mean i have to get a new 5190cc set?
Thank you as always.
Hi Paul,
That definitely sounds like a problem that needs to be fixed in a Braun service center. I haven’t experienced anything similar with my Series 5 so far. Regarding the cleaning station, that is unfortunately correct, you would have to buy another cc model in order to work with your station. A solo model will not pair with the station.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Truly hilarious how Braun manages to complicate this so insanely. OMG! The other, more significant thing is:
I just want a shaver that works well, doesn’t look like some tacky, cheap-looking, spaceship wanna-be, fake “platstic-chrome” toy from a vending machine, designed for a 12 year old. This flashy, shiny plastic will scratch. which on the other hand would be an improvement. And why would I want these tacky, space-ship looking indicators?
I wish they would go back to basics and design a truly high performing machine, that is simple and aesthetic in design. Clearly, some horrible marketing people have had too much to say for too long at Braun. Hopefully they will eventually find they wayy back and make products that look hygienic, professional and representing the manly, almost “heritage”-level quality that Braun actually has in their products.
On that note, the design differences is almost the only thing that matters here. It seems 5030 is the one with the least tacky shine, flash and pazazz. ALso, it doesn’t have the ludicrous cleaning station, or the meaningless wet-shave functionality, and(!) it has a soft pouch. Why soft? Because then you can actually squeeze down the cord in the same pouch. Why would I want to have to deal with the cord separately when travelling?
Hi Pjotr,
Thank you for your comment. While I do agree to some of your observations, I don’t think things are really that bad with the Series 5 and with Braun shavers in general.
Regarding your example, the 5030 also has a high gloss treatment. The cleaning station is great for a thorough cleaning twice a month for example and in the meantime you can simply store it in a cabinet if you don’t need it. The main purpose of a travel case is to offer protection from mechanical shocks and a soft pouch offers none. The cord can be simply tossed in your travel bag without any worries. Apart from the huge third-party cases that can fit a cord, no other manufacturer offers a hard case that can accommodate the cord as well.
And yes, some men prefer to shave wet with an electric shaver. It’s a feature that’s there only if you need it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your response. And I do really appreciate your effort to write the article. At the time of my writing of the above comment, I was very frustrated over how remarkably difficult it was (and is) to find a simple, well-looking, high performing machine. So much time wasted on looking, and sooo complicated to get an overview of Braun’s range of products! In the end, I really don’t mind paying significant amounts for a machine, they last for a long time and are used heavily. However, even after hours of research, my reluctant conclusion is that apparently there just isn’t any Braun model that isn’t covered in shiny, cheap-looking plastic. How “cool” is that going to look in a couple of years? In any case, I’ll take a look at what competitors have on offer, but will likely end up with Braun (or Panasonic?) anyway. They just suit me and my particular shaving needs best. As for cleaning, I do that myself with a cup and some medical alcohol. No need for a gimmicky (and bulky) “station”. And I do prefer a soft case. If I carry my 2000 EUR laptop in a soft case, and my iphone also, then I certainly don’t need an extra super-strong, hard (and extra bulky) protective case for my 200 EUR electric shaver that is not particularly sensitive to mechanical damage, and anyway, either just lies on a shelf in the bathroom, or goes in a travel bag. Marketing…..rarely interested in what customers actually want…
Hi Pjotr,
Thank you for your comment. Most Braun Series 7 models for example come in a silver/grey matte finish that feels more durable than the glossy treatments. I understand that you don’t a cleaning station, so the 7893s for example would be a good option. In my experience Panasonic shavers are superior when it comes to build quality. I own quite a few and even after many years of constant use, they still hold up incredibly well — even the ones that have glossy surfaces.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu!
First of all, I want to thank you for a great article! It helped me a lot with choosing a new shaver. I’m just wondering whether to buy 5050cc or 5190cc. This will be my first foil shaver, so some questions may seem trivial.
For 5190cc I would have to pay about $35-$40 more than for 5050cc, except that in the case of 5050cc I would have 2 additional cleaning cartridges (3 in total) and in 5190cc only 1 cleaning cartridge. I don’t take into account the 5090cc, because I can have it for a higher price than 5190cc, let alone 5050cc. The 5190cc convinces me because of a possibility of wet shaving and 3 cleaning programs. Therefore, I have several questions regarding both of these razors. I will be grateful for your answers and sorry for a veeeery long post!
1. As you mentioned, 5050cc has only 1 cleaning mode, 5190cc has 3 such modes. These programs are selected manually or does the station automatically choose which program it uses? I also saw your post in which you wrote that you don’t see too much difference between the shortest and the longest program. Does this mean that in practice, a 5050cc cleaning station and a 5190cc cleaning station will be able to clean the razor the same amount in both cases? However, can a station with 3 cleaning modes allow, for example, the use of a given cleaning cartridge by 0.5-1 months longer? And what is the hygiene analysis in the cleaning station exactly? How does it work?
2. From what you wrote series 5 doesn’t have the active drying systems after cleaning. Does this statement apply also to the 5190cc (not to mention 5050cc)? And is the lack of this active drying systems affect its lifespan of the razor? I want to use this shaver for at least 6 years or more :). I’m afraid that when the shaver will be left by itself to dry off for a few hours it can rust after few years. If the station immediately would have dry it off in a few minutes, maybe it’ll be better for its lifespand. Does it have any impact?
3. From what I found out, the blades should be lubricated, preferably after each shave. Does the cleaning station in both models lubricate the blades and if the razor is regularly cleaned in the station, do I still need to lubricate the blades manually? And does the cleaning cartridge contain lubricant? For lubricated do I need anything more for the cleaning station besides the cleaning cartridge?
4. You wrote in the article that you don’t recommend Braun for wet shaving, because manual cleaning is problematic. But does wet shaving itself with an electric razor (especially Braun series 5) give a better effect than a dry shave? And can wet shaving take place e.g. in the shower, but without any foam/gel?
5. Browsing reviews for 5050cc I came across one in which someone as a flaw said that the head casing looks like aluminum and that it is unwise to rub the face of aluminum everyday. If this is true, does 5190cc have no aluminum? And what do you think about it? I would like to see your opinion on that.
And despite all differences, according to you, it is worth paying extra $35-$40 for 5190cc (having in mind less cleaning cartridges in the set), mainly to have the possibility of wet shaving and the choice of 3 programs in the station? Of course having in mind that the razor should provide its use for at least 6 years?
Sincerely,
Chaser
Hi Chaser,
Thank you for your comment. Regarding your questions:
1. The station selects the cleaning mode automatically and yes, they all seem to last the same. Therefore I don’t think one mode would be significantly more economical than another. The only cleaning mode that would save cleaning fluid is the quick clean setting that was available with some older Series 7 stations, but those are now discontinued. That mode only took around 20 seconds to complete. So in my opinion the 3 cleaning modes shouldn’t be a decisive factor in choosing a Series 5 model.
2. All Series 5 cleaning stations lack any drying systems. The downside of this is that it takes longer for the cleaning fluid to dry, but with no impact on the lifespan of the shaver. Even with a fan or an inductive element, the drying process would still take between 45 minutes and 2 hours. I am yet to see rust on an electric shaver and I’ve been using them for over 15 years.
3. If you clean your shaver with the station regularly, there’s no need for additional lubrication. The cleaning fluid also lubricates the blades. Otherwise, here‘s everything you need to know about lubricating an electric shaver.
4. Wet shaving only improved my results marginally, and since you must also clean and dry your shaver manually before using the station (foam/lather can clog it), I tend to recommend Braun shavers for dry shaving. You can of course shave in the shower with a wet/dry model without gel.
5. The shaving head is made out of plastic, it just looks like aluminum.
I would personally opt for the 5050cc for the reasons outlined above and because it also costs less.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank You very much for your help! I will probably buy the 5050cc model.
If you can answer, I have the last 4 questions:
1. About how long does it take to dry the razor without this drying mode at the cleaning station? After about 8 hours after cleaning, can I use the shaver?
2. I am currently using a Philips HQ 6927/16 rotary shaver. It shaves well hair that grows on moles. Will I also shaves them with the foil shaver without any problems and without irritate moles?
3. My friend recommended me Braun Series 3 3090cc due to the MicroComb technology. It is $5 cheaper than 5050cc. Is there anything to wonder about?
4. In 5050cc is there any aluminum at all?
Sincerely,
Chaser
You are very welcome, Chaser.
1. It takes around 4 hours, so you can definitely use it 8 hours after the cleaning process.
2. It actually works really well, I also have a mole right above my upper lip that’s always been a problem in my wet shaving days. Never had any problems with electric shavers and the ones from Braun are particularly gentle and forgiving, including the Series 5. Just make sure not to press too hard and only use one of the two outer foils when going over a mole that protrudes from the skin. The middle trimmer is the only one that could potentially cause a nick, but again, you’ll really have to try hard to do that.
3. Between the Series 3 and 5, the latter is by far the better shaver. It is superior in every way and it shaves a lot better than the price difference might suggest. That MicroComb technology of the Series 3 simply refers to the middle trimmer that should capture longer hairs. However, the one on the Series 5 is a lot better.
4. No, at least not in any external parts of the shaver that would come in contact with the skin. It’s only plastic (body and foil frame) and hypoallergenic stainless steel for the foils and blades.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Again, thanks a lot! I bought the 5050cc model. I hope that I will be very pleased with this shaver.
Do I need to charge the razor before the first use? I ask, because with the Braun electric toothbrush Oral-B I found that the toothbrush lasted longer on the battery when the first time it was not charged, it only exhausted the battery until the end.
Sincerely,
Chaser
Hi Chaser,
The last Braun shavers that I bought came with the battery completely discharged, so I had to charge them before the first use. With modern Li-ion and Li-polymer batteries this doesn’t really matter actually. If it has enough juice in it you can go ahead and start using it, otherwise just plug it in. For more details on prolonging the lifespan of the battery check out number 5 in this list.
I hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your new Series 5!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
5070cc or 5190cc which one would you recommend, Nicolae?
Hi Christopher,
The one you can get at a better price. 🙂
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
5070cc or 5190cc which one would you recommend?
Hello, great article!
I have the 5147s and I still don’t understand why I couldn’t/shouldn’t use the cleaning and charging station. The shaver does have the two contact points that can be utilized with the appropriate station. Can you expound on this? There are many available to purchase online.
Thank you!
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for your comment. The Series 5 S models (like your 5147s) are not fitted with dedicated chip used to communicate with the station. Therefore the cleaning station will not pair with the shaver and it will simply not work. It’s the same with the Series 3 and 9, the s Series 7 models being the only ones that will work with a station purchased later on.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Bought the series 5 5030 model. It works great but my wife uses it and it leaves black on her face. Any ideas as to why?
Hi Tony,
Can you be a bit more specific? I’m not exactly sure what you mean by black.
Hi Ovidiu,
some 20 years ago (when i was 18) i wanted to switch to electric and in the process avoid all the ceremony and time waste for manual whet shave and bought some cheap Philishave 2 rotary blade shaver. I didn’t like it then because my skin was pretty much irritated and didn’t feel as close shave as manual so i forgot about it for 20 years. Recently i got that urge to switch to electric back again for same reasons and i remembered that old almost unused shaver somewhere in my drawer. I gave it a shot and after a month i learned to shave and my beard did too. Now it feels like a descent shave with much less effort involved. All of that because of your observations and recommendations on shavercheck.com. I wanted to upgrade my experience and ordered Buraun 5030s based on all your reviews and I now wait for it to be delivered. Any specific advice just to not to be disappointed like i was 20 years ago and should I expect more gentle shave without irritation? Since i dont have cleaning station any advice on maintenance?
PS And yeah my wife most certainly won’t use it 🙂
Dani from Croatia
Hi Dani,
Thank you for your comment. The Series 5 should be a massive improvement over your old Philips shaver. Since the Series 5 is a foil-based razor, shaving with it will require a different technique, but in my opinion it’s even easier to use and more forgiving than most rotary shavers. It’s very important to get the basics right: your skin must be as dry as possible (you may also use a pre-shave lotion), the shaver must be perpendicular to the skin during a stroke and always go against the direction of growth with controlled, repetitive strokes. You may alter the pressure depending on how sensitive your skin is, but start off very gently. It may take a couple of weeks to get a hang of it and get the best results.
You can also check out the How to shave with a foil shaver section in this guide for more details.
As for maintenance, always wash the cassette (inside and out) after every use with warm tap water and every once in a while use some liquid soap for a thorough cleaning. Also, once a week make sure to apply a drop of lubricant on each foil (you can use sewing machine oil, clipper oil or a spray lubricant for electric shavers). Here are all the details.
That’s pretty much it. Enjoy your new Series 5! 🙂
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you so much for this article. I am trying to buy a new Braun shaver for my husband for Christmas but I didn’t a single thing about shavers. Very informative and a wealth of information.
Thank you for your comment, Joyce. I’m glad you found the article useful. I hope your husband will enjoy using his new shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My husband has never used an electric razor before. He has tremors and it is taking him an hour to shave manually so thought he would give this a try. Was all set to buy the 55190cc but now I see you can’t use shaving cream with that one and he will definitely still want to use shaving cream. Is there another brand/model that would be better?
Hi,
The Series 5 5190cc can be used with shaving cream. There are other wet/dry Series 5 models besides that one, I listed all of them in the comparison table from the article. I think the Series 5 would be a very good choice for a first time user as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Wow.. lots of interesting information.
I was so confused with all the Series 5′ numbers. Now it’s all clear…
Very well done. Thank u
You are very welcome, I’m glad you found it helpful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Thanks for the useful post
The time has come to replace the cassette on my series 5 at the them of writing the 52b is £12 less then the 52s do I really want a mix and match colour scheme I wonder why there is a price difference
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your comment. There is less demand for the black variation of the 52 cassette as most Series 5 models come with a silver head. That is one of the reasons behind the price difference. Also, if a store can get the part for less money from a certain supplier, they can also sell it at a lower price while still maintaining their usual margin.
Other than the color, the 52s and 52b are identical performance-wise. If you’re not bothered by the color mismatch, you can definitely buy the black one.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Mate – thanks for all the info. Extremely helpful to me. I had been searching the web for a few hours and I came to the same conclusion as your article. I wish I had found your article sooner. I ended up buying the 5190cc for $199 delivered. I believe the cleaning station is a great asset which comes with the this model. Regards Chris
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your comment, glad to hear you found the information useful. Enjoy your new Series 5!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, im looking to buy one of braun 5series. Maybe you know what a diferent from BRAUN CoolTec CT2s vs 5040s?
Hi,
The Braun CoolTec is essentially a Series 3 with a cooling strip. Performance-wise, the Series 5 is superior in all regards.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
What are the differences between the 5020s and the 5030s?
The 5020s has a 45 minute rated battery, while the 5030s battery has an official autonomy of 50 minutes. Both can be used corded or cordless.
Struggling a bit here. For me it’s still a lot to spend on a shaver so trying to see what I can do. On amazon I see a series 5 5040s for $85. But no cleaning station. The 5190/5090 is $130 with the cleaning station.
How valuable is the cleaning station in your opinion Ovidiu? Is it worth the $45 extra for just a charging station? Or can manually washing a 5040s under soap and water or dipping the shaver head alcohol by yourself be fine? My situation is basically as an African American I am switching off my andis t-outliner to find a better solution to my razor bump/razor burn situation! This braun series 5 seems to be an option to consider since it raises the hairs up before cutting to eliminating the whole going with the grain vs against the grain problem but what annoys me is since I’ve never tried a foil shaver before I’m a little hesitant, and you can’t buy the 5090 separate and charging station later down the line if you want to save money initially and make sure a foil shaver is for you and then down the line add the cleaning station if needed. I’m a student also so trying to be a little cautious can’t afford to splurge for an outcome that does not improve my situation you know? So yes can you perhaps please help shed some light here on what is the best investment given what I saw on amazon and the value of the charging station/vs manual cleaning alternatives? Thanks! Fantastic writing by the way this is seriously outstanding quality writing. And your use of charts and figures is very easy to follow and enhances completely nothing detracts or distracts. Very impressed with this.
Hi Clifford,
Thank you for the kind words.
I usually recommend getting a cc model with the Series 5, 7 and 9 if it fits within the buyer’s budget. However, the cleaning station is there for the convenience, so if you want to save some money, getting a solo model like the 5040s is definitely a viable option as well.
You can clean your shaver manually with warm tap water and liquid soap since it’s completely waterproof. In this case I would also recommend lubricating the blades on a regular basis (at least once a week). The cleaning station is handy to use every once in a while since very fine hair strands and dirt will accumulate inside the cassette, especially around the corners as you have very limited access. Performing an automatic cleaning twice a month for example takes care of this and also saves a lot of cleaning fluid (you can take the cartridge out and put the cap back when not using the station).
But again, while the station is nice to have, it’s not absolutely necessary and if your budget is limited you can skip it.
I think the Series 5 would be a very suitable choice for an African American man. It’s pretty similar performance-wise to the Series 7, but costs a lot less. In this price range, the Series 5 is arguably the most capable foil shaver for dealing with curly/wiry facial hair. Just make sure to be patient as you likely won’t get the very best results immediately. Your skin will need some time to adjust to the new way of shaving and your technique will also get better as time passes.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Have old Activator series ready to go–confused on which model to purchase–found your article of information–made decision easy–you are a asset to Braun—hope they appreciate your effort as much as I did–Many thanks for all info-
Thank you for your comment, Bob. That’s very kind. I’m glad you found the post useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi from Greece, you do amazing reviews and articles. I have a question for you. I need a shaver for my skull. I think I am between 3010s and 5030s which are same price in my country. Which one would you consider better?
Thank you.
Also, do you know if its possible to leave a black shadow if i like with those?
Hi Spyros,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
Between the two, definitely the 5030s. The Series 5 is significantly better than the Series 3 performance-wise and since you can get them both at the same price, it’s really no contest. As for the shadow, I think it’s achievable to some extent since electric shavers don’t shave quite as close as a razor blade. However I cannot say this with certainty as I do not shave my head.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You’re really doing a great job here, hope these tech companies appreciate what you do as much as we do. Which is best for someone of African descent with curly,wiry hair & very sensitive skin. I’ve always used depilatory powders, but the wife & family complain of the smell it leaves. So I want to try an electric shaver and have been told Braun or Panasonic Arc4. Was researching Braun but noticed you mentioned Panasonic is easier to clean, so which do you think might be best for me. Thanks
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it. While Panasonic shavers are in general easier to clean manually, in your case I think a Braun will be much better suited for the job. They’re superior to Panasonic when shaving curly/wiry hairs and are gentler to sensitive skin, especially during a dry shave. Also, Panasonic electric razors work best on short, straight hairs and shave really close, which in the case of curly facial hair can increase the odds of getting ingrown hairs and bumps.
So my recommendation would be to go for Braun shaver. Depending on your budget, you should consider a Series 5, 7 or 9. I think the 7 is probably the one to have as it offers a great compromise of performance and costs. But whichever you and up choosing, there’s also the option of a cleaning station (the so-called cc models). You can simply use it a few times a month to remove any grime buildup inside the shaving head, then simply remove the cartridge, put the cap back on and store them until they’re needed again. In the meantime, you can simply clean the shaver manually with water and liquid soap. Third-party cleaning solutions are also a lot cheaper than Braun’s refill CCR cartridges.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
This is the most comprehensive and comprehensible review I have read on ANY product range including cameras and PCs
Thank you so much, Peter. That’s very kind. Glad you found it useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Does the braun 5 5040s have foil heads that have to be changed all the time
The manufacturer recommends changing the cutting block every 18 months, but depending on the coarseness of the hair and how often you use it, you may need to change it sooner or later than that.
have series 5 model 565 cc-4. included wet cleaning tank. was informed that replacement blades foil was 52 S. Yet the 52 S is much wider than my original shaver top. Is the 51 S a narrower top? which is the correct replacement blade foil. could not find any store with replacement parts in Seattle. Best Buy was listed a store for braun parts but had nothing for my razor.
The Series 5 565cc uses the 51s replacement foil & blades; the 52s cassette will not fit. You can still find the 51s online, for example on Amazon.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The packaging for the series 5 DOES NOT tell you that the 5S models do not work with a cleaning and charging station. A point that would have been nice to know before I purchased my 5S. I didn’t do a lot of research prior to my purchase as this was a replacement for an older model (that did work with the clean & charge station). Very disappointed with Braun and their marketing!
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comment. That is true, the information regarding the compatibility of the Solo models with the cleaning stations is basically non-existent. With this article I wanted to give a heads-up to current Series 5 cc users that were planning on buying a solo model and use it with their existing cleaning station — it will not work. The Series 7 solo models are the only ones in Braun’s lineup that will work with a compatible station.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi was about to buy the 5030 Braun electric shaver but browsed it online and ur website dosent suggest it for wet shave I just wanted to ask is the 5140 Braun electric shaver good for wet shave or 5040 is better
Hi,
That is correct, the 5040 and 5140 are both suitable for wet & dry operation, while the 5030 is a dry only model. Between the 5040 and 5140, if the price is similar, I would go for the 5140 (it has slightly better battery life and 3 vs 2 level battery indicator). However, if the price difference is significant, you can confidently get the 5040 (performance-wise they’re pretty much identical).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Have a 5040 S, was NOT easy to tell without pics. It looks like series 5 has more than 1 replacement head and not interchangeable correct?
Hi Dave,
All current Series 5 models, including your 5040s, use the 52s (silver) and 52b (black) replacement heads. There is indeed another part available (called 51s/51b) that is not compatible and it was used by the previous (now discontinued) Series 5 generation.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
What are the differences between the 5197cc and the 5030s (except 5197cc with the cleaning station)?
They are identical performance-wise, the only difference being that the 5030s is suitable for dry use only and it will also work while charging. The 5197cc on the other hand can only be used cordless.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Thanks for your reply.
It is very helpful for me to choose what model of shaver I need.
Excellent,
Hi Ovidiu,
My Panasonic ES-SA40 recently died on me and am in the market for a new shaver. I shave everyday/every other day and I feel my hair isn’t too coarse. I usually dry shave but have pretty sensitive skin (my old panasonic usually left me with red rashes after I shaved). I usually clean shave my sides and neck, and use the pop up trimmer to leave some stubble around the mouth area (pop up trimmer is a must for me).
Having said that, which shaver would you recommend? I can get a Braun 5145s for about 90usd, while a 5147s will set me back about 130usd. Am I right when I say that the only difference between the two is that the 5145s comes with a hard pouch, while the 5147s comes with a soft pouch + plastic cap? Are there any other differences between them, and which would you recommend? Or, would getting a Panasonic Arc 3/5 be better? Are there any other shaves in and around the 100usd mark that you can recommend?
Any response would be helpful. Thanks!
Hi Jeffrey,
First of all I think any of the shavers you mentioned will be a significant improvement over the ES-SA40. I’ve used a similar one-blade Panasonic in the past and I clearly remember that it caused me massive irritation.
Between the 5145s and 5147s, I would definitely go with the cheaper option — and you are correct, those are pretty much the only differences between them (they are identical performance-wise). If you have sensitive skin, the Series 5 would generally be a better choice than a Panasonic, be it an Arc 3 or even Arc 5. But again, even those will be a lot better than the ES-SA40 and cause much less irritation.
The Series 5 has a slide-out trimmer that’s similar to the one of your Panasonic. I personally don’t like it as it has a rounded edge and I very much prefer a straight one. This may be something to keep in mind if you rely on the trimmer heavily. Some may like it, but for me the popup trimmer on current Panasonic shavers works a lot better for edging and trimming my sideburns.
I think you should get either the Series 5 5145s or a Panasonic Arc 3 like the ES8103S or ES-LT41-K (whichever is cheaper). An Arc 5 would be a bit too much I think, going from one blade to 5 will take some getting used to. It’s also more expensive than the other options and likely over the budget.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the quick reply Ovidiu! Really appreciate all the details you’ve given
Definitely having the 5145s as my main option now. However, would you think any of the Series 3 options would make more sense for me, like a 3040s or a 3010BT? I believe they are significantly less expensive than the 5145s?
No problem, Jeffrey. I think the 3010BT would be an interesting option with those trimmer attachments. If you can get one for significantly less money than a Series 5, you should consider it. The replacement shaving head is also cheaper than the Series 5 cassette. As a face shaver, the Series 3 should again be quite a lot better than your current Panasonic.
The Series 5 is in my experience superior to the Series 3 performance-wise, but for someone with a light beard who also shaves often, this difference will be a lot less obvious. I would happily pay more for the Series 5, but I do have a rather coarse and dense facial hair, so in my case it makes sense doing so. But since you could get along with a single blade Panasonic, the Series 3 should easily be good enough.
Thanks for the help and advice Ovidiu. Ended up getting the 5145s as I felt it was pretty good value for money considering the normal retail price for a series 5. Tried it for the first time and really happy with the performance. Only gripe I have is (as you rightly mentioned) the trimmer is a bit small and hard to use given the slight curve it has. But overall pretty happy with it!
No problem, Jeffrey — glad to hear that. The trimmer is my gripe with all Braun shavers as well, not just the Series 5. But at least the shaver is really good, one of the best in this price range in my opinion.
–Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu.
I have a braun cruzer and need a new shaver.
I have an option to buy the following options:
5140 for 120 EUR
5030 for 89 EUR
Some series 7 (without cleaning station) for +/- 150 EUR
Some series 5 and 7 with cleaning station around 200 Eur
Series 9 with cleaning station for 220 eur
Is cleaning important? If was you, what would you choose?
Thank for the help.
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Considering those exact prices and the performance differences between the Series 5, 7 and 9, I think getting the 5030s makes the most sense. With the 5140 you’ll only be getting wet/dry use compared to the 5030s; however the Series 5 is really good during a dry shave, so most users won’t be missing out on much. Besides, you can use the 5030s with the cord plugged in. I do prefer the Series 7 over the 5 as it’s just a bit faster and more comfortable, but the price difference in this case is pretty steep.
The station is nice to have, but again I think it’s worth getting when the price difference compared to the solo variations isn’t that high. And that’s not the case here. You can clean any of these shavers manually with some liquid soap and warm tap water.
The Series 9 with the station is actually a good option, so depending on your budget and needs, it could be a good choice. So I would either go for the most budget-friendly option — the 5030 — or the Series 9 cc.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hej Ovidiu.
Can U please tell me the difference between 5030 and 5030s? I cannot seem to this online.
Many thanks in advance
Jan
Hi Jan,
It’s the exact same model, the S is simply left out sometimes from the product name (it just stands for Solo, meaning that it doesn’t come with a cleaning station).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Great work for writing. You should be paid by Braun for such detailed write-up !!
I am newcomer to the electric shavers’ world and I am confused between the 2 models in
5 series – 5145s (115$) and 5160cc (150$) ?
I have more hair in my chin area than my cheek area. Not high density of hair, but I shave almost everyday . I am used to the wet shave (traditional), but you mentioned that Braun series is not recommended for wet shaves. If I plan to wet my face or use little cream/foam before using the shave which model do you recommend ?
The one with the charging station since the cleaning will be better after the wet shave ? or shall I choose any other model ?
Thanks in advance,
SJ
correction to my mail: 5 series – 5145s (115$) and 5195cc (150$) ?
Hi SJ,
Many thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
The 5145s and 5195cc are absolutely identical in terms of performance whether you use them wet or dry. And speaking of which, I was only referring to the fact that Braun shavers in general aren’t significantly better during a wet shave compared to simply using them dry. For example, this difference is more noticeable in the case of other brands. But you could definitely use either of them with shaving cream if you choose so.
I wouldn’t say that the 5195cc is better for wet shaving since it comes with a cleaning station as you’ll still have to manually clean the shaver of any foam (with water) before using the station. The shaver must also be relatively dry. I would personally go for the 5195cc as I do like to thoroughly clean my shaver in the station every once in a while, but it depends also on how much are you willing to spend for a new electric shaver.
I think the Series 5, regardless of which one you end up buying, will be a suitable choice for you. Just don’t expect to get a stellar shave right from the beginning, it may take a few weeks until you get the best out of it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Congratulations on an excellent site Ovidiu.
I’m looking at buying the 5195 in the U.K for £85 after telling myself the Panasonic LV65 £90 or LV95 £110 is maybe over kill for me even though they may be superior machines. Im also not sure on the large head on the arc 5 and then there is the cost of foils etc down the line which is not a great concern. Main thing I need is comfortable shaver for my needs.
Thing is I’m fair headed and my facial hair is somewhat on the softer side which does not grow that fast roughly 5mm in 10days I’m lucky I guess in one aspect. My skin is fairly sensitive too so will be using a pre shave oil.
Oh forgot to mention a Panny ES-LL21 13000 motor £60 rest of arc 3s with decent motors as much as arc 5.
Which one would you say for my needs please.
Regards Kez
Hi Kez,
Thank you for your comment.
I think the Series 5 5195 would be the safest choice considering your sensitive skin. The Arc 5 is indeed overkill for a light beard and the very large head can be a bit awkward to use. The ES-LL21 is one of the good Arc 3 models but again, the Series 5 is more comfortable and more suitable in this case.
You mentioned a pre-shave oil, I personally wouldn’t recommend using one as it can clog the shaver and get really messy. Instead, consider using a pre-shave lotion (Speick, Blue Stratos, Lab Series, etc.).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
“5147s don’t come with an automatic cleaning station and will not work with one.”
Actually it work. Had a accident with my original 5190cc and bought today 5147 , before I read this article, and tried it out. For my big surprise the cleaning station worked.
Hi,
Can you confirm that the cleaning works as well, not just the charging function? I have a 5190cc as well and tried a solo Series 5, I think it was the 5030s, and it didn’t work. The 5147s is a newer model so it is possible to have the chip for pairing with a station, although I still doubt it. Braun customer support also told me that it will not work.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Which of these have the “PowerDrive” feature meaning it uses 20% more motor power? Because it doesn’t say on the package labels.
All of them are supposedly 20% more powerful than the previous (and discontinued) Series 5 generation.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Which ones have been discontinued?
The older models (590cc, 550cc etc.). You can tell the current shavers apart from the older ones as they have a 4 digit name and always start with 50 or 51.
Stunningly comprehensive review!
Thank you, Tom, glad you found it useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Really very good article, thanks a lot.
You are very welcome, Mohamed. Glad you found it useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I am in the market for a new electric shaver. I want to get the closest fastest shave I can while still meeting some other requirements. Cost is not an issue, but I’ve ruled out some of the top-end shavers like the Braun Series 9 and the Panasonic Arc 5 because of the large size of the head. I have sideburns and often a mustache or goatee too, and I think trying to follow the edges or shave the space between my sideburns and mustache/goatee would be like trying to parallel park a school bus! I was also very excited about the new series 7/6/5 family, but because of the larger frame around the head I have ruled those out too. I don’t want a bulky head obstructing my view of the foils as I try to shave along the edges of my beard.
I’ve eliminated the old Series 7 because of the failure-prone head locking system. I see myself needing the locking feature for fine work along the edges of my beard. I was considering the Series 8 too, but ruled it out because of the low availability and high cost of replacement cassettes. I don’t mind spending a lot of money on a shaver that will perform well and last a long time, but I do mind getting scammed on overpriced replacement heads! It’s too bad that Braun seems to be half-heartedly supporting the Series 8 (at least in the USA) because it seems to be the perfect shaver for my needs.
I think I’ve settled on the Series 5 (5195cc) since it’s so similar to the Series 8. I’m just a little sad that it’s apparently not quite as good in terms of battery life, noise, and power/speed as the Series 8. Nevertheless I think the 5195cc would serve me well.
Before I commit to a purchase, I wanted to ask if are any alternatives to the Series 5 you would recommend based on my needs. Here is my criteria:
– wet/dry capable
– cleaning/charging station
– small head for better agility/visibility
– locking or fixed head
– close & fast shave
– will last many years
– accessible and affordable cassettes
Regarding the size of the head, I am open to a shaver with less than 3 cutters. A cutter with just 2 or 1 foils might suit me if there are good-quality ones on the market.
Also, I will be using a Philips Norelco OneBlade QP2630/70 to do the edges of my beard and trim down stubble to where a foil shaver can easily handle it. Because of this, having a cutter like the middle shaver on the Series 5 is probably not as important to me as the performance of the foil cutters.
Thanks for all your reviews and articles. Your website has been very helpful.
Hi Clyde,
Thank you for your kind words, glad you found the site useful.
You’ve obviously done your research very thoroughly, you’re absolutely right about the aspects you mentioned in your comment.
In my opinion, the performance difference between the Series 5 and the Series 8 (apart from the larger battery of the latter) is negligible. And considering the costs (of the shaver and cassettes) and the availability, I think the Series 5 makes more sense. If I were in your situation, I think I would still consider the older generation Series 7. I honestly don’t think you’ll be missing the head locking function. The head (the frame, to be more precise) is also just slightly smaller, while the power, comfort and even the closeness are a bit better. And all these combined make for a better and more enjoyable shave. So I would still not rule out the older Series 7.
There are a few foil shavers with only two cutting elements, but the performance is far from stellar. They also don’t come with a cleaning station and the reliability isn’t the best (for example in the case of Wahl shavers).
Given your requirements, I think your options are the Series 5 (5195cc) and maybe the older Series 7 (something like the 7865cc). Not a huge difference between them in any regard, including costs. I would still get the Series 7 despite the head locking problem as I personally never use it, but again, that’s just my take on it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Will the 51xx generation of the Series 5 be discontinued soon, now that Braun has released the new family of Series 7/6/5 shavers? For that matter, will the old Series 7 be discontinued soon too?
I don’t think they’ll be discontinued anytime soon. The 2020 Series 7, 6 and 5 are only available in the USA and given their performance, they’re not really a match. They’re are inferior to the older ones. And despite using the same names, they clearly are a whole different range of products and not intended to replace the current ones.
Wow this is really informative!
Thank you.
Thank you, Mike, glad you found it useful!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Very nice comparison and greatly appreciated.
What can you tell me about Series 5 5018
Thank you, Barry. I’m currently testing the 5018s and I’ll be posting a detailed review as well. But I can tell you that it’s not better than the old Series 5. In fact, I’d say that the old models (presented in this article) are better in every single aspect: more powerful, better with flat hairs, flexible (and slimmer) shaving head, higher quality foils and blades, integrated trimmer and so on.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Amazing work or is this your passion in life?
Thank you for your help. Chose a 5190cc at AUD189. Best price was 5030s at AUD99.
Now will not have to fork out AUD100 to AUD190 for Panasonic blade and foil replacements!
Thank you for your comment, Lee, glad you found the article helpful. I’ve started the website back in 2013 just to share some of the things I’ve learned using dozens of electric shavers. I enjoy writing about this topic and also discussing it with you guys, the community. 🙂
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi I’ve had a philips for years but just bought the Braun Series 5 5147 s. I’m in Spain. I have to say I’m disappointed with it. It doesn’t matter how I use it, wet or dry it just doesn’t shave particularly closely, especially under the chin. I do have tough bristles but unfortunately quite sensitive skin so not quite sure which would be the most suitable shaver. My budget is around 200 euros. I’d be grateful if you could offer some advice. Thanks
Hi Steve,
My first advice would be to give the Series 5 another chance. While it’s not the best shaver out there, it’s definitely a very capable one. Since you’ve been using rotary shavers for years, I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement since you’ve recently switched to a foil shaver. I wrote a detailed guide on how to get a close shave here, I think you may find some useful bits of information there.
For coarse hair and sensitive skin, the Series 7 and Series 9 are usually the best options, but again, I wouldn’t dismiss the Series 5 just yet. Panasonic Arc 5 models give in my opinion the closest shave and are quite good at shaving the stubborn hairs under the chin, but they can be a bit too harsh for sensitive skin. So I’m a bit reluctant at recommending them in this case.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, does the 5040 work in the 5 series clean & renew station?
Hi Peter,
Unfortunately no, it will not work.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Are you sure the 5020s is not waterproof? I’ve read reviews which say it is. How do you clean non-waterproof shavers?
It is waterproof in the way that you can clean it with water, but it is suitable for dry shaving only (which is why it also works corded).
Hi I just purchased the 5197cc can you give me more info on this product.Can you tell me if the Panasonic Arc is better than the 5197cc.I will be using this product when my beard is very light and short?
Hi Richard,
The Arc models from Panasonic usually provide a closer shave compared to similarly priced razors from Braun, but they have some specific shortcomings as well (not as comfortable, not very good with flat-lying hairs). Given that you’ll be shaving a light and short beard, I think the 5197cc will be perfectly suitable. It’s a good and versatile shaver and the cleaning station is quite handy.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Wow, just came across your site yesterday as I am looking to replace my dying shaver. Incredible detail in everything I have read. I think I have narrowed down my choices to the Braun 5090cc or the 5190cc/5195cc. I do of course prefer to dry shave. I can have sensitive skin especially on my neck around the adams apple and I do not have dense growth (can’t even grow a full beard). Along with having red hair, I shave may 1-2 times a week since it doesn’t show. A quick water clean along with periodic deep cleans sound appropriate.
Would these models be in line with my thinking? Or do you have other recommendations? Thank you for all your research!
Oh, and in addition I will be looking into a smaller travel charger (maybe the M90?) most likely so have a case/covers are not much of importance.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your comment, glad you found the site useful.
The Series 5 should be a suitable razor; you mentioned shaving once or twice a week, so I assume that your facial hair grows back pretty slowly. As long as it’s not excessively long, I think the Series 5 will work just fine.
If you can still find the 5090cc, that’s the one I would recommend. It will also work with the cord plugged in, unlike the wet/dry models.
The M90 is one of the better travel shavers, but you might want to use it more often as it can struggle with longer hairs. It’s a very basic single foil shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Awesome, thank you Ovidiu for your reply. Yes, you are correct in that my facial hair grows back pretty slowly. I’ll scour around for a 5090cc, and then go for one of the others if I can’t find it.
Thanks again,
-Robert
GREAT!!!!!!! thanks alot!!!!!!!
You are very welcome, glad you found it useful.
Thanks for all the information. I have a braun 320s-4 that I just started using again as I am 90 years old and getting a little shaky but want to get anew dry braun that shaves fairly close and isn’t irritable, any suggestions?
You are very welcome. Upgrading to a Series 5 should give you precisely that while still being reasonably priced. The dry only 5030s would be the best pick (it also works corded), but if you can’t find it, the 5040s or 5140s are good options as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi
I have just brought the series 5 5197 I didnt realise there where differnt models in the series, I assumed that the series 3 was different to 4 and 5 to 6 etc
I have noticed that some models have the easy clean and some dont, my hubby’s doesn’t.
What confuses me is it tells you the shaver must be dry when you put it in the cleaning station so does that mean he shouldn’t rinse the hair out after shaving before he puts it in the CC?
I would also like to know if the attachments ie beard trimmer head fits the 5197? Thanks kellie
Hi Kellie,
That is true, the shaver must be dry before placing it in the station, so the easiest thing to do is to tap out the hairs from the cassette so they wouldn’t end up in the cleaning cartridge.
Only the 2020 Series 5 models have the EasyCLean system, but I wouldn’t be too worried as it doesn’t really work as advertised. Besides, the 5197cc also shaves a lot better.
The beard trimmer attachment will not fit the 5197cc.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
I love your website. Have been researching for a new shaver and have been reading a lot of articles on your website. I have narrowed my choice down to 5190CC and the 7865CC. I was looking at the new series 8 but haven’t been able to find one with a charging/cleaning in Canada and the replacement blades are so expensive compared to the Series 5 or 7 shavers. The 5190cc is $190.00 CAD and the 7865CC is $253.00 CAD. Is it worth it to spend the extra $63 to get the 7865CC over the 5910CC? I had also been considering the 5030S which is $150 CAD but doesn’t come with a cleaning station. From reading your articles, I know that you do suggest to get the CC version if buying one of the 5,7,9 braun versions because the cartridges are difficult to clean. I dry shave and my braun series 1 190S doesn’t hold its charge anymore so my next shaver will definitively be a jump up in performance. I wanted to know what you thought – the braun 5 or 7 series. Much appreciated.
Hello Michael,
Thank you for your comment. Either of the 5190cc and the 7865cc will be a significant improvement over your current shaver. That said, I personally would pay more for the Series 7. I own both (my Series 5 is actually the 5090cc model, but its performance is the same) and the 7865cc is just a bit better in all aspects, which makes shaving that much more enjoyable. I compared them in great detail in this article. I think it’ll make your decision easier, especially since you can’t really go wrong with either of the two.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I would like to buy series 5 as Christmas Gift to my boyfriend.
And hope to hv wet & dry function , cleaning station is not required.
May i know 5140S / 5040S / 5147S which one you recommend ?
Many thanks!!
Hi Pearl,
The 5140s and 5147s have slightly larger batteries and 3 level displays instead of 2. So if you can get one of those for a fair price, they’re excellent shavers. But any of the three will be just fine as the shaving performance is identical.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Oh man,
If there were Nobel prizes in electric shavers area, you would definitely get one.
Thanks!
Karol
Karol, you are way too kind. Glad you found the information useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi and thanks for the information. Just one question to ask about the difference between 5030 and 5040, on that dry only and wet/dry function:
I have checked pictures of the 2 shavers and I found that the design under the shaving head are the same, and from the user manual both can be washed with water running through the head with it turned on, and so I wonder how close the waterproof capability the 2 is.
Should I therefore conclude that it actually works even if I do wet shaving with a 5030 occasionally, and just the bottomline is that don’t shave with a 5030 when taking a shower?
Hi,
Thank you for your comment. That would be a very reasonable conclusion. Both are waterproof, but the 5030s is a dry-only shaver as a safety precaution since it can also work with the cord plugged in.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks man! All the information you give is very useful!!
Hi Ovidiu, thanks for your detailed analysis and I got the right series 5 for my dad, thanks a lot!
Hey,
Thank you for your comment, glad you found the guide useful. Hope your dad will enjoy shaving with his new Series 5!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
I had a Braun model that lasted me for 20 years and now its battery can’t last for a single shave any more, so I am now on the lookout for a new shaver. I bumped on a model yesterday which is not in this article, Braun 50-R1000s. Can you explain to me where it would sit among series 5 lineup and why it has specific model numbering? Is it somehow special?
Thanks
Dragan
Hi Dragan,
The Braun 50-R1000s is part of the new Series 5 line introduced in 2020, so it’s not included in this article as those are completely different shavers (I even mentioned that at the beginning). In my opinion, the new Series 5 shavers are inferior to the previous generation in all regards (you can check out my review of the 5018s which is basically the USA model of the European 50-R1000s and they’re identical performance-wise).
I personally would go with one of the older Series 5 models like the ones mentioned throughout this post.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for the explanation. I can see at the shops that 5130 actually costs more and is probably a better model but it was not clear to me.
No problem, glad I could be of help. I would pick the 5130s over a new Series 5 without hesitating, it’s just a better shaver in all regards.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this tip.
My Braun 8595 series 5 purchased in 2007 is not holding its charge and I need a replacement. I have the hard case and the cleaning station with 3 unused inserts so would like a model suitable with these parts. It also came with a hard Plastic foil cover. Are there any compatible series 5 razors available?
Unfortunately no, none of the currently available Series 5 razors will be compatible with the station or other accessories like blades and foils. Your only option would be to find an identical Series 5 shaver still in good shape.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Braun Electric Shaver for men, Series 5 50-M1200s, Wet & Dry Electric shaver with Precision Trimmer, Rechargeable, Black/Turquoise.
………………………….
Would you tell me the compatible Spare Foil Model Code for separate purchase please…for this Shaver ??
The compatible replacement foil head has the part number 53b.
By the way, please note that the shaver you’ve mentioned, namely the 50-M1200s, is part of the new Series 5 released in 2020, completely different from the Series 5 mentioned in the above post. In my opinion, the older models (5030s, 5040s, 5190cc, etc.) were superior in all aspects, including shaving performance.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
This article and your articles on the best shavers in 2021 and comparison of the Braun Series 5, 7, and 9 were all extremely helpful in my choosing a model to upgrade from my trusty Braun 340s. It still works well if I shave every day but since I’m often working from home I don’t need to shave daily, but it struggles with 2 or 3 days growth. I took your advice and searched the pre-2020 Series 5 ‘cc’ models still available. I found the best deal right now is on the 5195cc ($139), a big savings over the similar 5190cc ($181 right now). Thank you for the great info!
You are very welcome, Dean, glad you found the info helpful. The older Series 5 is still a great shaver in that price range and should be a nice upgrade from the 340s.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, wealth of information well-worth reading, thank you for putting this all together!
I have had an 8995 model for about 15 years, very happy with it but finally the battery is losing capacity, the trimmer head has broken and it’s looking quite worn (like its owner!) so I guess it’s time for a new razor. I’ve been trying to work out what the closest current model to my 8995 is but it’s too old to feature on any site I can find :). It looks as though the 5090cc is closest available. Can you confirm this or advise?
I would like to be able to reuse a couple of spare cutter heads (51S) with any replacement though I guess my old cleaning station cannot be used with the newer range and will have to get a new one. Can you tell me whether the 51S cutter will fit it this “replacement” model? It looks as though the recommended replacement is the 52B though I’ve seen the 52S also touted as fitting.
Just for info, for a cleaning solution with my old station I just use 70% isopropyl alcohol with a few drops of lemon juice. This seems to work fine, the station accepts it and I use it once a week or so with manual dry cleaning after every shave. I’m not sure that this will work with the new station though.
Many thanks for any advice and once again, good job :).
Hi Simon,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
Your 8995 is basically the first Series 5 and a phenomenal razor in terms of reliability. It was replaced by a newer generation that also used the 51s, while the third generation (with models like the 5090cc) uses the 52s or 52b. The 52s and 52b are absolutely identical except for the color of the frame (silver and black, respectively). You are correct, the 5090cc (and other similar models like the 5030s, 5040s etc.) are the closest available. The latest 2020 Series 5 models are a big step down in terms of performance, so I do not recommend them.
Your 51s will not fit the 5090cc, unfortunately. The 52s and 52b are the only ones that will fit and the foil and cutters are merged into a single block (they can’t be separated).
Your station will also not work with something like the 5090cc (fortunately, that one comes with a cleaning station).
The DIY cleaning solution could still work, although the newer stations are iffier regarding the solution. There are however a few cheap third-party solutions/concentrates that work great.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Many thanks for the confirmation. I’ve ordered a 5090cc and hope I can look forward to a further 15 years of trouble-free shaving :).
I hope your weekend is going well and wish you a good week to come.
Best regards,
Simon.
Long time Braun user. Purchased a 5030C based on reviews such as this and a great price. I do not need wet or cleaning.
Very pleased with the unit. Huge improvement from my old Braun unit. The battery charge lasted two weeks for me from the first time I recharged it. It still does today.
I brush out the foil every two days and clean it under hot water once a week. Foil is still quite sharp. I anticipated that I would have to replace it more often but this is not the case.
Thanks very much for the review. Very helpful
Brett, that is awesome — I’m glad you’re happy with your Series 5. It’s a shame that the new 2020 Series 5 is such a step down in terms of performance. The older generation with models like the 5030, 5040, etc. is still relevant today and a great choice at this price point.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Olividiu,
I did a comment on your article about Panasonic es-ll41 and i was asked you which one to buy the Panasonic or the new Braun 5, you have mentioned that the “old” series 5 was better but more expensive and since i have sensitive skin to go for the Braun.
So after i read this article and the best razor 2021 guide(excellent both articles)i decide to increase the budget a little and go for the “old” series 5.
I find a good deal and i will buy the 5197cc.
I would like to thank you for your great work in this site and how much you help as to decide and learn about electric razors.
Continue the good job.
B.rgds,
Vassilis.
Hi Vassilis,
Awesome — if you can get the older Series 5, I think it’s totally worth the extra money. I hope you’ll enjoy shaving with it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Ones again i would like to thank you for your advice and the help that you offer here in the comments but also from your rewiews, as i had told you i bought the series 5(5190) and I try to learn it and get used to it but because I have sensitive skin I want to follow your advice and get a pre shave cream, i have found the proraso cream but I am a little confused because I read about its application that I have to wet my face first, but I have read that you say the skin must be completely dry, what is the truth, do you know?
Sincerely
Vassilis
Hi Vassilis,
You are very welcome.
The skin must be completely dry in the case of a dry shave; with shaving cream, you’ll want to use plenty of warm water beforehand to wash your face and soften the hairs. If you have the time, I recommend checking out this guide I wrote a while back about wet shaving with an electric shaver. I think you’ll find some very useful info there.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks a lot!!!
Hi Ovidiu.
I’ve found your article to be very interesting. I’m thinking about buying Braun Series 5 since I can’t afford to buy a newer version. I have found Braun 50-M1000S model in my local stores. Do you know anything about it? If so, it is worth to buy?
I will be grateful for your reply. And greetings from Poland
Best,
Kamil
Hi Kamil,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
The 50-M1000S Series 5 model is actually part of the 2020 update, so it doesn’t have anything to do with the models in this guide. Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near as good as the older ones. I did review it here (5018s is the name of the model sold in the USA, but it’s really the same shaver) if you want to check it out. It’s a decent shaver for the money, but similar to a Series 3 performance-wise.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your reply 🙂 I will read about it and then I will make a decision. Thank you once again and keep doing what you do. It’s a great website for those who are interested in electric shavers. Thank you for that too.
Stay safe and healthy.
Take care,
Kamil
coming from a fantastic braun 340s-4 that lasted me 6 (and half) years for head shaving and beard trimming (yes, the pop up trimmer is a must for me) i would like to try a Series 5 model. can you help me with that?
as i told you, i use the pop up trimmer a lot and find it much better than the individual beard trimmer from Braun that i also bought.
In addition, i really don’t use the wet and dry shave as i tend to shave dry only.
I also don’t have any problem cleaning the unit manually.
But for a tight budget i see the 5147S for €104, the 5197S for €125… not finding a dry only option in that range.
Or do you think i’ll be good with the Series 3 3040S for €82? Or even the dry only 3020s for €60.
For what i’ve read from you, the Series 5 it’s way better…
Thank you for all your work and advice!
Best Regards!
Hi Carlos,
I think the 3040s would be good enough since you were very satisfied with the 340s — it basically shaves the same. The Series 5 is in my opinion a superior shaver in all aspects: more powerful, faster, gentler, better with longer/flat-lying hairs. The hair trimmer is the same though, but I understand that you liked the one on the Series 3.
I personally would pay the difference for a 5147S, but again, that makes sense in my case. From what I can tell, the Series 3 seems perfectly suited for what you need (the replacement cassette is a bit cheaper as well).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, Ovidiu
First of all, thanks a lot for your time.
My main use is the head shave, I admit. So, for that purpose, you don’t think it worth the change for the 5147S?
The trimmer and combs for the Series 3 won’t be compatible with the 5147S, I suppose…
But do they have the beard trimmer and combs for the 5147S model? I’m only finding it for the new models…
Once again, thanks mate! You’re the best!
You are very welcome, Carlos. I think it’s a worthy upgrade for a head shaver as well. Regarding the trimmer, I thought you were only referring to the slide-out trimmer (the one integrated into the shaver itself). If you’re using a separate click-on trimmer (and combs) for the Series 3, it will not be compatible with the Series 5. The older Series 5 (like the 5147s) does not have any compatible accessories. If those are a must-have, you will need to get another Series 3 (for example the 3040s) or the new Series 5 that you’ve mentioned.
As a side note, I find the new Series 5 similar to the Series 3 performance-wise. Strictly as a foil shaver, the older Series 5 was superior.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I use the pop up trimmer for the quick beard adjusts, but also the separate click-on trimmer for the major beard adjusts and body trimmer as well.
So the old series 5 don’t have those click-on trimmer and combs…
Back to the old Series 3, lol!
Can you tell me the differences between the 3040S and the 3020S besides the wet/dry shave option?
Like I told you, even with my 340S-4 I think I’ve never ever used it with foam or in the shower…
Thanks mate, and sorry for all these questions.
The dry only vs wet/dry use is really the only difference, everything else is exactly the same (battery, shaving head, trimmer). One quirk of the 3020s is that you can use it both corded and cordless.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, what a great website with very useful reviews!
I have an old Braun contour 5874 and the cutter and blade have to be replaced, so this might be a good time to go for a new shaver. Would the newer series 5 (5030, 5190 and so on, but not the latest series) give me a noticable improvement in terms of performance over the 5874? Many thanks and keep up the good work!
Hey,
Many thanks for the comment, glad you found the info useful. Yes, it should be a nice upgrade from your current shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Love your reviews. Really informative.
I am looking at buying a 5197cc as it is a good price on amazon. Two questions:-
1. Why would there be such a price jump between the 5197CC and the 5050cc (£78 difference). The 5140s is the same price, without a cleaning station.
2. i am worried that buying the now finished line will I still be able to buy replacement head cartridge? is there a time limit on when Braun have to keep making these available?
Hi Ivan,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
With electric shavers, these price differences are actually quite common and often don’t make any sense — you can find a similar/identical model for a lot less or for a lot more money. That’s the case here as well. It has to do with the price from the suppliers and some other stuff. I wouldn’t worry too much about the availability of the replacement cassettes — they’re usually available many years after a model has been discontinued. The manufacturer keeps making them as there’s still high demand for them.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for the very detailed review. The different models within each series was very confusing and overwhelming. Your reviews (this one and the comparison between 5, 6 and 7) cleared a lot of questions I had.
In India, I have seen a model 50-M1200s being sold on Amazon and the price is almost a third of the other series 5 models. Are you aware of this model or is it an India specific one? The low pricing worries me a bit – I don’t want to end up with an inferior product.
As a comparison, Series 5 5018s costs INR 18,000 while the Series 5 50-M1200s costs around INR 6,500.
Hi Rajesh,
Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate it.
The Series 5 50-M1200s is identical to the 5018s — the price difference is probably caused by the limited availability in various countries/regions. So you can definitely get the cheaper Series 5 50-M1200s if you think it’ll be a good match for your needs. That said, both the 50-M1200s and 5018s are inferior to the older Series 5 generation in this post.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu!
I just saw your detailed and brilliant review of the Series 5 5018s. I’ll skip probably skip this model and go with the older series 5.
Thanks again for your reviews – They will surely help me make informed decisions.
You are very welcome, Rajesh, glad I could be of help.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I can’t explain how helpful and informative all your reviews are. I read most of the Panasonic Arc reviews and was leaning towards Arc 4 as I shave once every 2-3 days but they seem to be sold out in Canada.
Then I read Braun is a bit merciful if I don’t shave once every 1-2 days. I checked the prices on Amazon and they have exorbitant fees: BRAUN Series 5 5090cc for $388, and $225 without cartridge; Braun Series 5 5030s for $460.
Then I run into Braun Series 5 5050cs on Amazon which is sold for $120, considerably cheaper and but since all the good ones are sold in the $200-250 range, I wasn’t sure if 5050cs is considerably inferior to others and I didn’t see a clear reference to 5050cs in the reviews.
Curious to hear your thoughts and thank you in advance!
Here is the link if you want to take a look at it: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Z6HWZX4/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B07Z6HWZX4&pd_rd_w=1cHtK&pf_rd_p=8e308614-8b7b-45e9-9526-75d8e163854c&pd_rd_wg=ayhcy&pf_rd_r=NYPDBE7284BC41G11XS5&pd_rd_r=59eff989-2137-4941-bd57-0985a82461f9&s=beauty&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVEc5WFMyWDlHNDdWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTIyMzMwM0Q5VktZR09FRFpLQyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjMzMTc0Mko0Tjg1U0FVUFM5SCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
Hi Frank,
Many thanks for the comment, glad you found the info useful.
The 5050cs doesn’t appear in the comparison because this particular model is part of the new Series 5 generation that I wrote about here and it is in fact inferior to the older models (like the 5090cc, 5030s etc). That’s also the reason why is significantly cheaper. The 5030s and 5090cc are in my opinion better in every aspect.
Considering the price, I think the 5090cc without the cartridge looks like the best deal. From what I understand, it includes the cleaning station, so you’ll be able to purchase a cartridge separately and even cheap third-party cleaning solutions later on. You also have the option of cleaning it manually if you don’t want to use the station.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Your information on this site is very helpful 🙂
I have Braun 5414 for over 20 years now and I’m considering to put it as spare, while using something new primarily. I am leaning towards same simple solution that has separate foil and cutter so I do not need cleaning station. If I understand correctly, 5147s uses combi-pack 51s that is a separate foil and cutter?
If that is not the case, I might be going for 9365cc or 9370cc that come at a reasonable price in my area. I do not like the idea of cleaning station, but maybe you have good reasons to go for 93XX instead 5147s.
Thanks,
Branko
Hi Branko,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
The 5147s uses the 52s cassette, so the foils and cutters are a single piece. That said, while I do consider the station useful and practical, you can also clean it manually. As long as you do it properly after every shave, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Regarding the 93xx, if you can get one for a similar price to the 5147s, I would go for it. It is hands down a better performer (faster, more effective with difficult hairs, more comfortable). The head is also pretty slim for a 4-blade shaver, so you shouldn’t have a problem transitioning to it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I was under wrong impression and did not look carefully. 51XX is not available and I found only one model for around 200€ with shipping. I would be tempted if price was lower, but 93XX are more available and can be found from 240€ to 280€ with shipping (and from more reliable shops). I do not find that as a big difference since this is a long term investment, so I’m more inclined to go with 93XX. When I wrote “reasonable price” I wanted to say that I was willing to go into 250-300€ price range (other people might not find it reasonable). And I just saw a review where 9395cc is used for a whole head shave, so that brings me even closer to buying it.
Once again – thank you for you extensive work on this site, and also for your reply 🙂
You are very welcome, Branko. In this case, getting a 93xx makes more sense. And I can also confirm that it’s a capable head shaver. I use one to give myself a skin fade on the sides and back of my head and it works great (close, comfortable and fast).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I have bought the Braun S3 300s, however it has a lot of difficulty cutting my beard on the cheek zone and moustache, making me have to finish with a razor. It also gives me a ton of irritation (burn and pimples). So it seems like I have rather sensitive skin and coarse hair.
What shaver do you think could be the right one for me? I have been thinking of the Braun 5140s, especially if on sale on Prime Day. Would this solve my problems and is there any other cheaper option?
Thanks.
Hi Nicholas,
The Series 3 (particularly the ProSkin models that come with a better shaving head than the basic S3 like your 300s) are decent shavers in that price range, but I would not recommend them to users with coarse beards. The Series 5 is in my opinion a significant jump in performance, so yes, you should get better results. Also, my guess is that in an attempt to get a clean shave, you may have pressed the shaver too hard. That, plus an excessive number of passes can cause razor burn and bumps.
If you can get a 5140s for a good price, it’s a really good shaver. A Series 7 from the older generation (like the 790cc for example) would be even better, so maybe keep eye on those as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Braun Series 5 5050cs is less than 1/2 the price of the 5040S.
Is that a good deal for getting a close shave on sensitive skin?
The 5040s is a better shaver in all regards, unfortunately the price of the old Series 5 has spiked lately. The 5050cs, like all the other models in the 2020 Series 5 generations, is a step down in performance and quality. To me it’s no better than a Series 3 ProSkin which I would actually prefer as a low-price option.
Try also looking at the Series 8, you might find a good deal on one. The Series 8 is basically a Series 5 (like the 5040s) with a larger battery.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I’ve read almost every article and review in your site and let me tell you, i’ve learned alot! one of them, was that i’ve been shaving wrong with my Philips – instead of circular motion, i’ve just moved it back and forth..
So, after reading a few reviews, I could really use your advice-as said, i’m using a very basic Philips shaver for the last 15 years (the current model 8240XL) and looking for an upgrade.
I thought maybe it’s worth a try with a foil shaver and came across your reviews on Braun series.
I’m growing a ducktail beard for the last 10 years so most hair to shave is mostly on the neck and a few spots on the cheeks.
On one hand, I want a solid shaver that last for 7 years give or take, but on the other hand, I don’t wish to be expensive. It’s gonna be my 1st try with a foil razor and i’m afraid what’s happen if it won’t work for me…30 days return policy is not valid in my country..there is no local distributor that enforcing this policy.
I really love using a pop-up trimmer, so isn’t sure if the slide version of series 3 will be comfortable
So any advice what will be best for me, will be appreciated.
I’ve came across a few available options in my country:
5018s – around 106$ (found a link to amazon that cost 70$)
5140s – you’ve repeatedly recommended – 135$
5147s – 140$
Series 7 MBS7 -looks like the 2020 version – 154$
and only can found at amazon:
3040s – 60$
6020s – 130$
7027cs – 170$
No need to add, the more quieter the better
If you suggest to keep using what I know, I think the Philips 3800 you’ve reviewed will be the best suitable, although I wished a more modern shaver- I can’t seems to overcome the cons.
Thanks!
Hi,
Thank you for the comment, glad you found the information useful.
Because you’ll be using the shaver mostly to shave only to the beard line, I don’t think you should spend a lot of money on it, so I would discard the ones going for let’s say more than $100. The old Series 5, 6 and 7 are in my opinion a bit too expensive for what you’ll be using it for. Normally I would suggest the Series 3 3040s, I think a foil shaver with a slim head and cutters that stick out more is better suited here than your rotary Norelco. It’s also sturdy and the replacement head is cheap too. The only issue is with the slide out trimmer, I personally don’t like them. They’re the same on the Series 3, old Series 5, Series 8 and Series 9/9 Pro. I recon you rely on it to edge/trim your beard and for that I think a pop-up trimmer would be better.
If you think the slide-out trimmer would be a deal breaker, you might check out the 5018s. Even though as a shaver it is inferior to the old generation, it could work just fine for what you need. Moreover, it comes with a trimmer attachment that is quite capable if you don’t mind swapping the cassette constantly when you need to use it. Normally the 5018s shouldn’t cost more than the 3040s.
Alternatively, a Panasonic Arc 3 ES-LL41/ES-LL21 checks most of the boxes in my opinion, but I don’t know if you can find one and also at a reasonable price. It has an excellent pop-up trimmer and some adjustable guards as well. I reviewed it here if you want to check it out.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for your reply, and clearing some things. much appreciate.
My main uses with the trimmer is behind the ear and back of the neck after a haircut, other than that is to trim the stubble that stacks up after a few days, pre-shaving.
The last few days i’ve watched a videos review for the shavers you’ve mentioned. The Panasonic Arc 3 is around 130$ that moment and the battery indicator on the 5018s it much more useful.
So I’m thinking to wait till Black Friday sales and follow the price drop for the 5018s and the 6020s.
Thanks again 🙂
No problem, glad I could be of help. If you can wait a bit more until black Friday, it’s very likely you’ll be able to get one at a great price.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I have an older model Braun Series 5 8975. It works fine, I am shopping for replacement cutter but don’t see this model number anywhere. Is there a new model number?
Hi Gerald,
Your Series 5 model is actually from the very first generation, so two below the ones in the post above. It uses a foil and two cutters set called 51s. Just make sure you’re buying a genuine Braun replacement, not a knockoff. Amazon still sells them from what I can see. Here is a link (no affiliate).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, sorry for the duplicate post, the autofill on my browser used an old email address that i don’t use anymore while i was posting the comment.
Coming back to my question. Given the chance to get the 5020s and 3040s both at the same price, which one is the better option?
I’m unable to choose but leaning towards the 5020
Hi Alvin,
Personally, I would go with the 3040s. Unless you need the trimmer attachment and combs included with the 5020s (for example if you alternate between clean-shaven and beard/designer stubble), I think the 3040s would be the better pick for most users.
It’s (usually) cheaper, easier to use (slimmer head without the unnecessarily wide foil frame) and the overall performance is extremely similar (closeness, comfort, power). I also prefer the integrated slide-out trimmer of the 3040s for some quick grooming (sideburns).
PS: the 5020s is part of the new (current) Series 5 generation, so not the one discussed in the article above. You can check out my review of the 5018s as well (identical to the 5020s), you will see that the performance is underwhelming compared to the excellent discontinued Series 5 models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu