Electric Shaver Review

Braun MobileShave M-90 Review – It Does The Job Shaving Daily

The Braun MobileShave M-90 is the smallest electric shaver I have used and reviewed. 

Based on its price and size, among other aspects, I had low expectations, which is good for the shaver’s starting point. 

After testing, using, and reviewing many of Braun’s shavers, including the flagship Braun Series 9 Pro (one of the best Braun shavers I have used), I knew this mini shaver would be interesting and fun to play with.

Another Braun MobileShave model is the M-60b model, which is transparent blue and does not have a slide-out trimmer.

Let’s look at what the Braun M-90 should do for my facial hair, its features, how it performs after a month’s use, and who it would be best suited for.

Description and Features

Unboxed, there are not many components. We get the shaver, two AA batteries, and an instruction pamphlet. 

Before we delve into the features or lack of them, it is worth keeping in mind that the intended purpose of the M-90 is to be mobile and available at any time –as Braun states, “Smooth Skin, Anytime, Anywhere.” So, it’s a travel shaver!

• Battery Operated: Unlike most other shavers, the M-90 is not rechargeable. It requires 2 AA batteries (included).
• Shaving Elements: It doesn’t get more simplistic than the M-90, which has only one foil element. Braun calls this element Smart Foil, which flexes with pressure.
• Twist Cap: The top section turns to the bottom and protects the foil when not in use.
• Detail Trimmer: A detail trimmer slides out from the side that trims sideburns. 
• Washable: The shaver head can be washed under a tap, but Braun has not stated that it can be used for wet shaving.
• Cleaning Brush: A cute cleaning brush slides in and out of the bottom of the shaver. 

Highlighting Features – Pros & Cons

As mentioned, there are not a lot of features–bells and whistles, although there are a few hidden design features.

Shaving Elements

While the foil is only a single large foil, unlike higher-end shavers with two or more, it is enough for this shaver’s aims (i.e., compact travel shaver). It has the ability to press in when using pressure along the contours of the face, which is useful.

The foil can be easily removed when pressing both sides of the shaver head section. When the foil is removed, it exposes the cutter, which can also be removed when a replacement is needed.

How close and efficiently the foil shaves is another story–I will get to that!

Protective Cap and On/Off

I quite like this twist protective cap that locks the shaver and protects the foil head. At first, I had no idea how to switch the shaver on until I discovered the cap needed to be twisted. 

This feature is unique to this shaver, or I have never seen it before. It’s useful for travel, and there is no need to have an unattached separate protective cap. It also won’t accidentally switch on in transit while on the move.

The cap is one of a few cute features I found on the M-90, along with that brush I mentioned.

Detail Trimmer

The detail trimmer is one of the cute features I mentioned. However, while it is nice and compact and slides out from the side of the shaver body, I found it seriously useless (it just did not cut hair).

I can easily overlook the lack of action from the cute trimmer, as shaver precision trimmers are never that good– it is no deal breaker! 

Battery Operated

Having a shaver that can operate with standard batteries rather than being charged up via an electrical source makes sense for a travel shaver. However, a USB charging port with lead might be a better option and a rechargeable battery, as charging via a USB is the norm these days. 

As there are no indicator lights to let us know the batteries are going flat, we need to have a couple of spare AA batteries with us. Imagine being halfway up Everest, and the batteries die!

Two AA batteries come with the shaver. They are placed inside the bottom after turning the bottom cap.

I am totally behind this AA battery thing for a travel shaver, especially for those doing any outdoor stuff like camping. No need for a power source –perfect!

How does the Braun Mobile Shave M-90 perform and Shave?

I went into this test, use, and review, not expecting a Braun Series 9 or Panasonic Arc 5 performance, and evaluated it based on being a much cheaper travel shaver. Things have to be kept in perspective!

I used the M-90 over a period of a month or so and tested it with three and two days of growth and shaving daily.

It did not go very well with more than two days of growth. It took way too long to shave, and I had a lot of leftover patches. Flat lying and straggler long hairs are also too much of a chore for the M-90.

Daily shaving with the M-90 was much better. It is not as fast as a high-end shaver I have used (of course), but it gets the job done. I was pleasantly surprised about not having skin irritation flare-ups when shaving daily–as I often get neck redness. 

I would suggest users have a proper shave with a razor or a better electric shaver and then use the MobileShave daily or maybe every two days (if you can get away with shaving close enough).

Overall. While most other shavers outperform the M-90, I found it to be a useful travel and mobile shaving tool that some guys are going to like and find useful.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Grip

While the M-90 is all plastic, it feels solid enough and won’t fall apart overnight. It seems like quite a brittle plastic, so I am not sure it would survive a drop on the bathroom floor, but maybe it would (I’m not going to test it).

This shaver has no real ergonomics, but it does not require them. It fits well in the hand, and its size is portable, which is enough.

The sides are not rubberized, which would be an added grip benefit when using the shaver, but it’s not a deal breaker as it holds well enough in the hand when in use.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After using the M-90, I use the small brush that slides into the bottom section to remove the shaving debris before rinsing it under the tap. Braun states it is washable, which seems to be the case.

Adding a small amount of anti-bacterial hand soap is a go-to of mine when electric shaver cleaning.

As mentioned, the foil section is easy to remove for cleaning and replacing. Two lined sections on the shaver’s side allow users to remove and replace the foil head easily.

I would add a drop of oil after every few shaves on the inner blade section to help maintain the blades and performance. 

Replacement Foil/Head

Finding an exact answer about how long the blades should last and buying replacements was tricky. 

I found the Braun original 5S foil replacement on Amazon, but it did not include the cutter. Then I found a few other replacement foils with a cutter that was not made by Braun (be cautious about those). I did find a page on Braun’s site that indicates the cutter and foil are sold separately, and the foil page provides a link to stores to purchase one but not the cutter.

To replace the cutter, I would either need to buy a copy on Amazon or contact Braun (probably the best option).

The Braun site does not state how long the foil and cutter lasts, but it states 18 months on Amazon. Eighteen months is the standard advice from Braun for most shavers. 

This hassle and lack of information is somewhat of a deal breaker for me. 

Value for Money

The Braun MobileShave M-90–at time of writing, is priced at around $27 USD (£21 UK or €26 EU).

It is not anywhere near expensive for an electric shaver. I would say it is not a bad buy if it meets your needs as a spare travel/mobile shaver.

Common Consumer Issues, Complaints, and Positive Reports

As usual, I look at as many reviews as possible from various sources to compile common issues and positive reports to make it easier for you guys. However, it was hard to see the woods through the trees on the M-90 as many just did not add up and make sense.

Loads of reviews on Amazon were Japanese, which was odd, and then there was a comment stating it was the best shaver ever (nope), and another was on his 10th because he loves them (10 whattt, are you for real –maybe not!.

After getting through many of the reviews on Amazon, I picked up positive, agreeable comments like –good or even a great portable shaver, ideal shaver that uses batteries, and it is affordable.

Others like the twist cap and not having a separate foil cover, as I mentioned. 

Buyers have mentioned that it does not shave longer growth very well, as I experienced. There are a few mentions of the cool cleaning brush that slips into the bottom of the shaver.

I had to read through many promotional reviews on Braun’s website, where reviewers get free products and 7-year-old reviews, but some of the reviews added up as the truth. The most common comments mention that it does not shave longer hairs and it is good for travel.

Final Thoughts – Who do we recommend buys and uses the Braun MobileShave M-90?

The M-90 was better than I expected for a travel shaver, and it has some nice compact design elements, like the brush at the bottom and the protective cap. 

I can see it being useful for those going on outdoor trips or even guys having one stashed in the office desk or car for getting rid of the 5 o’clock shadow, but it isn’t going to shave any decent amount of hair growth. 

Young men with softer hair growth might find the M-90 an affordable and useful shaver choice. Guys with coarse growth will struggle and need something with more power and cutting ability. 

I have also used and reviewed the Braun MobileShave M-60, which does not have the trimmer and is different in color, but it should be cheaper.

You Might Also Like