Braun Series 5 vs Series 6 (latest EasyClean & SensoFoil models)
Two electric shavers that should be compared side by side 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). It’s worth noting the generation because the company Braun releases new generations and upgrades, which can have major changes.
I have personally tested, used, and previously reviewed these shavers after using them for over a month with various growth levels that enable me to compare not only their features and design but their performance while shaving (the most important aspect).
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 Series 5 is the EasyClean, and the Series 6 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.
Series 5 Models
| USA | Europe, UK & Others |
|---|---|
| 5018s | 50-B1200s |
| 5020s | 50-W1500s |
| 5035s | 50-M4500cs |
| 5049cs | 50-B4650cs |
| 5050cs | 51-B1820s |
| 51-M1850s | |
| 51-M4200cs |
Other Series 5 EasyClean models are available. They all begin with 50 or 51.
Series 6 Models
| USA | Europe & Others | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 6020s | 60-N1200s | 60-B1200s |
| 6040s | 60-B4500cs | 60-B4500cs |
| 6072cc | 60-N7650cc | 60-B7000cc |
| 6075cc | 60-N4820cs | 60-B7200cc |
| 6090cc | 61-B4500cs | 60-B7500cc |
| 61-B7000cc | ||
| 61-B7200cc | ||
| 61-B7500cc |
Other Series 6 SensoFoil models are available. They all begin with 60 or 61.
Braun Series 5 and 6 Similarities
Visually the Series 5 and 6 look like the same shaver. They share the same body design and shaver 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.
Both shavers also share:
- The beard density technology, which adjusts the power required based on the thickness of the hair
- 24’000 cutting actions per minute
- Three shaving elements which include two foils and the center trimmer, which 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
- Press button on/off to lock the shaver from accidentally switching on, and press for another few seconds to unlock it.
Braun Series 5 and 6 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.
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 while shaving along the various contours of the face.
While they both share 24’000 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 tell us any of this and only gives us the cutting actions per minute.
Braun Series 5 vs 6 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, whereas these shavers clean up fine or better 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 both did not deal with heavier or coarse growth very well.
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 the Series 6 can be bought with the 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 good, 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.
These shavers cannot be compared in terms of comfort or closeness of shave because they both offer the same levels.
If you prefer a shaver with which you can try various attachments or have a cleaning station, then the Series 6 is the shaver.
Both of these shavers will suit men who shave daily or every other day and do not want to spend the kind of money that high-end shavers cost.
If you frequently grow for three or more days and have coarse growth then I would suggest higher-end shavers like the Braun Series 9 Pro or Panasonic Arc 5.
Braun Electric Shaver Reviews
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