Braun Series 5 vs Series 6 – Which Is Best for Your Needs?
Two electric shavers that make a great side by side comparison to understand the differences and similarities are the Braun Series 5 and Braun Series 6.
The latest generations of the Series 5 and 6 compared here are the EasyClean (Series 5) and SensoFlex (Series 6) ranges.
I have personally tested, used, and previously reviewed these shavers after using them with various beard and stubble growth levels that enable me to compare not only their features and design but their performance while shaving (the most important aspect). I have also returned to these shavers to create comparisons, videos, and to test out the later 2024 turbo mode options (more about the turbo further along)
Tested, Used, and Reviewed
Both shavers were tested under various shaving conditions; this included three days of growth, two days of growth, shaving daily, and wet shaving.
Reviews
Models – Versions Reviewed
I will highlight various models of these shavers covered in this article. To keep it simple though, the Braun S5 is the EasyClean, and the S6 is the SensoFlex.
The various model numbers will differ based on the attachments and accessories the model comes with, the color variation, and the country where the shaver is sold. The main shaver and its performance are exactly the same throughout these model number variations (with the exception of performance with the turbo models vs non-turbo).
This turbo feature has changed things up quite a lot. I cover that properly in the shaving experience section as that is where the feature matters. It was initially rolled out in the USA during 2024, and I have now seen it become available outside of the USA. My guess is that the turbo models will supersede the non-turbo models.
Series 5 Models
| USA | Europe, UK & Others |
|---|---|
| 5018s | 50-B1200s |
| 5020s | 50-W1500s |
| 5035s | 50-M4500cs |
| 5049cs | 50-B4650cs |
| 5050cs | 51-B1820s |
| 5118s | 51-M1850s |
| 5150cs | 51-M4200cs |
Other Series 5 EasyClean models are available. They all begin with 50 or 51, and the USA 51 models now include two shaving speed mode options (i.e., standard and turbo options).
Series 6 Models
| USA | Europe & Others | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 6020s & 6120s | 60-N1200s | 60-B1200s |
| 6040s | 60-B4500cs | 60-B4500cs |
| 6072cc & 6172cc | 60-N7650cc | 60-B7000cc |
| 6075cc | 60-N4820cs | 60-B7200cc |
| 6090cc | 61-B4500cs | 60-B7500cc |
| 6177cc | 61-B7000cc | |
| 61-B7200cc | ||
| 61-B7500cc |
Other Series 6 SensoFoil models are available. They all begin with 60 or 61, and the USA 61 models now include two shaving speed mode options (i.e., gentle and turbo).
Similarities
Visually, the Series 5 and 6 look like the same shaver. They share the same body design, shaver cassette, and head appearance.
The cassette head-changing method and design are the same, and how the trimmer attachment is attached and detached are the same. These shavers do not have the built-in trimmer other shavers have (see video below).
Both shavers also share:
- The beard density technology adjusts the power required based on the thickness of the hair.
- 24.000 cutting actions per minute or 26.000 (turbo models only).
- Three shaving elements, which include two foils and the center trimmer. The center trimmer lifts and cuts longer hairs.
- The LED display that shows how much charge is left, charging light, red flashing plug when switched on (plugged in), red travel lock light, cleaning light, and a cassette change warning.
- Please press the button on/off to lock the shaver (travel clock) from accidentally switching on, and press for another few seconds to unlock it.
Differences
As you will have followed so far, the features are very similar, even down to the cutting actions, three cutting elements that move independently, and the main design.
The biggest difference is the style of the head section. The Series 5 EasyClean has an open section that water can flow through easily for cleaning purposes, but the head has no flexibility (see photo below, left).
The head section of the Series 6 does not have the opening section of the neck like the Series 5, but it can move backward and forward (see photo above, right) while shaving along the various contours of the face.
While they both share 24.000 (26.000 Turbo models only) cutting actions per minute, I would like to think that the Braun Series 6 has more power to justify the price increase and change in series number. However, Braun does not state that so we can assume (based on the cutting actions) that we have the same motor inside.
With the S6 turbo models, Braun introduced a slightly different cassette (part number 64B). The foil and metal part of the center trimmer are the same, however, you’ll see in the video below that the white outer section of the S6 trimmer is slightly different.
The S5 cassette part number is 53B which was also the cassette for the non-turbo model. However, these (i.e., 53B and 64B) are both interchangeable.
I cannot be sure, but the difference in this outer trimmer plastic section may have something to do with the S6 being geared and marketed towards being a sensitive skin type shaver.
Shaving Performance
After seeing that most aspects of these shavers are very similar, it’s hard to imagine how their performance could differ.
There was, in fact, very little between them.
The flexible head on the Series 6 is a much better feature than the easy clean section on the Braun Series 5 because it’s a feature that helps the shaving experience, and these shavers clean up fine without the opening section that the Series 5 has (it’s just not necessary).
I did not notice any difference in cutting power, and one shaver was no more aggressive than the other.
They both have a tendency to leave a few hair patches that require a few strokes and going over to remove them.
Both shavers were good for daily shaving and on two days of growth, but neither dealt with heavier or coarse growth very well (it just took more time and effort than the S8 or S9 Pro does).
Turbo Mode Performance
This upgrade or change with the S5, S6, and S7 is quite significant as this turbo feature affects the performance.
Both share the higher 26.000 cutting actions per minute when the turbo mode is activated. However, the non-turbo mode differs between them with the S5 providing a standard mode and the S6 providing a slower, less powerful gentle mode.
I could not fathom the point of these at first as I thought shavers are just best used in the most powerful mode, but I did find potential uses that could be useful for some guys.
I did a side-by-side shave with both shavers in turbo mode, and the performance was the same.
You can see in the video below that the sound and output are the same while on turbo mode.
I strangely found that I preferred the standard mode on the S5 as that was powerful enough, but I could see that switching it on to clear up sideburn patches I get left over was useful (in terms of a bit more power).
I preferred the S6 switched on turbo mode and found the gentle mode lacking for my liking. However, I could see that some guys that shave daily at times and switch between shaving less frequently than daily could use this gentle mode and switch between modes. It matches being a suitable shaver for comfort while providing an option to make the shaver more aggressive.
Quite an interesting feature that has come to make sense.
Accessories & Attachments
Accessories and attachments should never really be a deal breaker when buying a shaver as they don’t change the shave at all. However, some can make a difference in convenience.
The biggest difference between the Series 5 EasyClean and Series 6 SensoFlex is that the Series 6 can be bought with a charging and cleaning station.
Some Series 6 models are also sold with extra attachments and a solid fabric travel case. However, while the travel case is better than the Series 5 pouch, the attachments do not perform that well, even the trimmer attachment on both shavers.
I have found having a cleaning and charging station with many shavers I have used useful and convenient; however, they are optional and not essential. Manual cleaning of a shaver is easy and quick, enough.
Price Comparison
Comparing the price is always important. It usually boils down to whether a higher-range shaver and its features are worth the extra cost to a buyer.
— The Braun Series 5 EasyClean is priced very well and affordable — costing approx $69.99+ US, £64.99+UK, and €109.99+ EU.
— The Series 6 SensoFlex costs around $85+ USD, £99+ UK, and €112+ EU.
Prices increase somewhat, depending on what model is bought and attachments/accessories supplied.
Final Thoughts – Which Shaver is Best?
I preferred the Series 6 SensoFoil because of the added head movement. However, if I were budgeting, I would be happy to have the Braun Series 5 and save the extra cash.
Adding the gentle mode to the S6 does nothing for me. However, as stated above, it could be useful for some gents.
These shavers cannot be compared in terms of closeness of shave because they both offer the same levels.
Both of these shavers will suit men who shave daily or every other day (3 days is fine too) and do not want to spend the kind of money that high-end shavers cost.
