Electric Shaver Review

Braun Series 5 5118s Review – This 51** Range Has A Turbo

The Braun Series 5 has proven to be a decent, below-mid-range price option that gives me comfortable and close shaves for an electric shaver.

Braun made a change to the S5 in 2024–only for those in the USA (obviously, testing out customers’ responses is my guess). That change to the model I purchased for this review–the Series 5 5118s and related 51** models–is an additional button below the power button, which provides a turbo and standard power mode option.

If you are from the US, then you can consider this review to be for the 51** turbo models and 50** (minus turbo mode), as there are no other differences compared with the previous Braun Series 5 model I reviewed. If you are outside of the USA, then you can also follow this review or take a look at the non-turbo review here.

Now that the model number and turbo mode stuff are out of the way–let’s crack on with the review.

Description & Features

I bought the 5118S standard model (S), which only comes with an attachable trimmer, a protective blade cap cover, and a mini cleaning brush.

Other models (i.e., 5120s and 5150cs) come with other attachments like combs for the trimmer, body trimmer, and a simple charging stand.

Turbo and Standard Mode

Under the power button, we have another soft rubberized button that activates and deactivates the turbo mode.

It is very simple to operate, although I have to keep in mind which one I have it on because it stays on the same mode when switching the shaver off and back on again.

EasyClean Feature

The EasyClean feature is simply an area under the shaver head between the body of the shaver and head (this allows water to pass through easily). Water can pass through the top of the shaver cassette and the gap underneath.

Build Quality, Design, and Ergonomics

The S5, like all shavers, is made of plastics, bits of metal, and rubberized sections for grip.

To me, it feels like a solid and strong piece of kit, and the weightiness gives me a sense of quality (it might be a false sense, who knows).

Compared to other Braun shavers, the S5, S6, and S7 (which share the same design) are noticeably slimmer. They just feel better in my hand – more of a snug fit. That separate trimmer attachment? I think that’s the key. It prevents the shaver from being as bulky as others.

I find it is better to hold than most other shavers, although the Arc 5 is just as good, too, with its snug-fitting style.

I find the rubberized section on the back of the shaver and on the front section, including the buttons, are ideal for grip.

AutoSense Technology

Most shavers, especially the top-end shavers, come with a built-in mechanism that adjusts the cutting actions according to how dense the beard is, and that’s what AutoSense Technology means in plain English.

With some shavers, I have felt or at least heard this adaptation while shaving, but I have not noticed it with the S5.

Shaving Elements

The cutting system uses two outer foils and a center trimmer. The two outer foils handle the bulk of the shaving and provide the closeness, while the trimmer targets longer, flat-lying hairs (those damn tricky stubborn hairs). The independent movement of these three elements is a key feature. It allows the shaving head to maintain close contact with the skin along various contours.

While some shavers, like the Braun Series 9 Pro and Panasonic Arc 5, utilize five cutting elements, I find three are sufficient if they are adequately powered.

Cutting Actions

Braun states the S5 cranks out 26.000 cutting actions per minute (that’s 8666 per shaving element). I can’t exactly verify that, but I can tell you how it performs.

26.000* is more than enough in my experience, even though others provide a higher amount of CPMs. The S5 has proved to be powered well enough to provide me with fairly quick and efficient shaves.

*Note – The non 50** (non-turbo) models have a maximum of 24.000 cutting actions per minute, and the turbo model has 26.000.

The non-turbo models max out at 24.000 cutting actions, and I have found that the turbo mode of the upgraded S5 is somewhat speedier (not hugely).

Head Movement

I’m a fan of a shaver that provides some flex in the head, whether it is just back and forth like the simplicity of the Braun S6 (see photo below) or multi-directional like a Braun S7 or Panasonic Arc 5. However, the S5 does not have any.

The head section remains stationary (solid), although the shaving elements flex along the contours.

Losing a feature like flexible head movement makes sense to me when the cost of the shaver is within the value range, like the S5.

Trimmer Attachment and Cassette Removal

As I mentioned, the trimmer on the S5 is not attached to the body like it is on many shavers, and it is a separate attachment.

This whole trimmer situation? It’s a mixed bag. Some guys are gonna like it, some won’t. Me? I’m kinda in the middle. But I do appreciate how slim the shaver is, which I’m pretty sure is partly (or mostly) thanks to not having a built-in trimmer attached to the back section.

Okay, so what is the downside of a no-built-in trimmer? You gotta swap out the shaving head for the trimmer every time. And that means keeping the trimmer handy all the time. Think about it – is that gonna bug you? On the plus side, the shaver is super slim, like I said (and what I like). Plus, the trimmer itself is wider, so it’s actually pretty useful for other trimming jobs. You could even use it to knock down a beard that’s gotten a little out of control (though a dedicated trimmer would be better, obviously) before shaving.

Now, swapping the head isn’t rocket science, but it’s not as smooth as on the S8 and S9 Pro (see photo below). Those have side buttons – way easier. This one clips on and off, which might be a little fiddly for some guys, especially if you’ve got big hands.

LED Indicators & Travel Lock

Checking the battery power left is easy, thanks to the three-dot LED display. One dot means we’re running low, and a warning light will also come on (time to recharge).

The LED system also handles other notifications: cleaning reminders, cassette replacement alerts, and a warning if you try to use the shaver while it’s charging.

The travel lock is a useful feature, and it’s simple to activate and deactivate. Just hold the power button for three seconds to activate it and press teh button for another three seconds to deactivate it.

A new addition to this S5 model is the turbo mode indicator –- an arrow light that illuminates when you’ve engaged turbo mode using the button below the power button.

I find the LED setup is functional and provides what I need and a bit more.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the S5 is pretty straightforward. Braun calls it “EasyClean,” and they’re not wrong. You can rinse it with warm water without even removing the blades, which is great for quick cleanups during your shave (supposedly).

I still need to clean it afterward and take the cassette off, though. I always take the blades off to make sure everything is completely clean and give them a swill.

That little opening in the neck that’s supposed to make it easier to clean? It’s a bit of a gimmick if you ask me (still helpful, though). It’s okay to use when rinsing between passes, but only when I am using soap or shaving cream (that’s not very often – and only when I am testing a shaver). But it is still best to take the cassette off even if you want to rinse off any excess anti-bacterial soap suds (I always add a blob of hand anti-bacterial soap on the foil area before rinsing with running tap water).

Unlike some other Braun shavers, the S5 doesn’t come with a cleaning and charging station. But that’s okay with me. Sometimes simpler is better, and it keeps the price down.

We can also use the S5 with the cleaning station that comes with the Braun S6 and S7 (also sold separately). Still, the S5 does not come with this, and that makes sense as it is supposed to be the EasClean shaver.

Oiling the cassette foils and cutter section is easy enough, which I do after every two or three shaves or after every wet clean. It is also best to oil the trimmer blades on the trimmer attachment frequently.

The cassette (model number 54B or 53B) should be replaced every 18 months when used frequently. This time frame differs based on beard coarseness and usage. 54B is what Braun recommends for the turbo-type models (the S5 I am reviewing now). Still, I can’t see any difference between the 53B and 54B, and I would purchase the cheapest on offer.  

Charging and Battery

We get the normal 50-minute runtime when using the shaver in the standard mode, but when we use the turbo mode, that drops down to about 40 minutes.

I would say the 40 minutes is about right after testing that out, and it’s not a lot compared to other shavers. I got about eight shaves from a full charge, which I guess is suitable for many guys.

Attachments and Accessories 

Each model of the Braun Series 5 may or may not come with attachments, depending on which model is purchased. The 5118s comes with a trimmer, and the 5150cs comes with a trimmer attachment, body groomer attachment, and charging stand.

There is also a 5120s model that comes with additional combs to use with the trimmer.

These attachments are easily clipped on and off, just like the blade head mentioned above.

It’s quite odd that we dont get offered a travel case, not even a very simple fabric pouch. I guess that is all about reducing costs on their end and on our end.

Shaving Experience

I was not new to the Braun Series 5 EasyClean before using this model. Still, it is always a great experience to revisit a shaver as I can usually get along better with them (and find other pros–and sometimes cons).

So, that turbo mode. I did find it sounds quite a lot louder than the standard mode and most definitely puts more power out to shave quicker.

It may be my skin sensitivity, but I did find the turbo a bit overpowering the first two times I used it. I picked up some skin stinging after shaving (no sign of irritation, just stinging).

What was interesting was that I had just finished using the Series 6 Turbo shaver (i.e., the updated US model like the S5 here). I found the lower mode on that not very good, but the turbo mode was much better (but the non-turbo mode on the S6 is named Gentle Mode).

Overall, I was fine with the standard mode and surprised I did not prefer the turbo mode. I will revisit this shaver at some point and report back if I have a change of heart.

Shaving every two and three days was quite efficient and pretty quick with the S5. However, I got my usual leftovers, which took a good few extra strokes to get rid of.

I used the trimmer attachment on one of the sideburns as the shaver elements struggled to remove the hair. That is okay, as that is one reason to have and use a trimmer (built-in or attached).

It took me longer to shave with the S5 than with the S7 and other shavers made by Braun above the S7. I got there with a near same closeness of shave, but it just took quite a lot longer.

I tried daily shaving for three consecutive days, and on the third day, I found it irritating the skin and stopped (only on standard mode). This is normal for me, as well as my skin preferences.

The attached trimmer does its job just about, but it is not great. I can trim down what little sideburns I have, and others with longer hair and sideburns might find it works better for them.

I tried out wet shaving using shaving cream with the S5, and it worked fine when wet, but there was no benefit. As always, I am not a fan of wet shaving with an electric as an electric shaver is supposed to be about convenience and no mess (I might as well pull out one of my manual razors).

I also head shaved with the S5, and it can give a close head shave, but the ergonomics are not best suited, especially around the back of the head. It would be best to use it every day or every other day if you want to use it for head shaving, as it takes too long to shave hair any longer.

Value for Money

The Braun Series 5 EasyClean offers good value. Positioned as a lower mid-range shaver, it’s considerably more affordable than high-end models while still outperforming basic, low-end options.  

You can typically find it for around $69.99+ in the US, £64.99+ in the UK, and €69.99+ in the EU.

Keep in mind that prices may fluctuate, and the cost can be even lower if you opt for a model with fewer attachments.

We also have to add the cost of a replacement cassette (approx. every 18 months). These cost around $38 in the US for original Braun cassettes (53B) and about $43 for the 54B part number.

Final Thoughts – Verdict (Worth Buying?)

This shaver isn’t going to blow your mind with its performance. Let’s be real; you could definitely get a closer, smoother shave if you’re willing to shell out another 50 bucks or so. But for a just below mid-range electric shaver, it’s honestly not bad. It’s got a lot going for it.

It’s a good choice for guys who shave every day or every other day and who don’t have super coarse hair.

Basically, it’s a step up from the budget shavers and way better than the really cheap ones.  

It’s a good shaver, no doubt, but it’s not quite in the “great” category. You get what you pay for, and in this case, you’re getting a decent shaver at a decent price.

Is it best to buy the turbo mode Series 5 model (i.e., this 5118s or other 51** models) or a 50** model? I recommend buying the latest turbo model if it is around the same price as a 50**, but if you can pick up a 50** on the cheap, then you might want to grab that.

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