Rotary versus foil, $99.96 versus $189.99: the smarter buy is clearer than you think.
Product Image: Amazon
8.4
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Braun Series 7 shaves a little closer and the cleaning dock is nice to have. But the Norelco Series 5000 gets you 90 percent of the shave for 50 percent of the money, which makes the verdict easy.
What We Like
- The Norelco costs about half what the Braun asks
- Rotary heads handle a few days of growth with less tugging
- The Braun shaves closer in fewer passes on daily stubble
- Braun SmartCare center cleans and charges the shaver for you
- Both work wet or dry and include a pop up trimmer
What We Don’t Like
- The Braun costs nearly double the Norelco
- Braun cleaning cartridges are an ongoing expense
- Norelco replacement heads run about $35 every couple of years
- Norelco ships with a USB A cable but no wall adapter
Product Details
Full Review
Quality
Both are well built midrange shavers. The Norelco S5880/81 pairs a grippy housing with 45 self sharpening SteelPrecision blades and a two year warranty. The Braun 7171cc is made in Germany with a 360 degree flex head, three shaving elements, and a Gentle mode for sensitive skin. The Braun feels more premium, and the SmartCare dock is genuinely convenient, but you pay for it twice: at checkout and every time you buy cartridges.
Value
At $99.96 versus $189.99 this is not a close call on value. The Braun is the better engineered shaver in absolute terms, but the Norelco is the better purchase: a close, comfortable shave with smart sensing and no expensive consumables. Put the $90 you save toward replacement heads years from now.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Norelco if you want the best shave per dollar in electric shaving.
Who Should Skip It
Skip both if you love a traditional razor, or pick the Braun if only a foil shaver will do.
FINAL VERDICT
The Philips Norelco Series 5000 wins for most buyers. It shaves nearly as well as the Braun Series 7 at half the price, with cheaper upkeep. Choose the Braun only if you are committed to foil shavers and want the cleaning dock.
8.4 / 10
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