Electric Shaver Comparison

Braun Series 8 vs 9 Pro – Comparing The 2024 Models Differences

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

Two top-of-the-range electric shavers that are a perfect fit for a side-by-side comparison are the Braun Series 8 and Series 9 Pro shavers.

In 2022 Braun upgraded the Series 9 to the Series 9 Pro, so I focus on the newer 9 Pro models in this comparison. And the latest Series 8 models. 

If I were to cut to the chase, I would say the Braun Series 9 Pro is a better shaver than the Series 8, so buy it. However, the Series 8 is considerably cheaper and performs well, which could save some of you guys cash, so there is more to consider than just buying the best model. 

Let’s Compare What’s Most Important 

Let’s compare the build quality, cutting power, ergonomics, comfort while shaving, maneuverability, and closeness of shave – ‘the end result.’ And we will also look at the cleaning station and costs.

The Series 9 Pro and Series 8 have the same body, shape, and design appearance. You would almost think they were the same shavers until looking at the blade head and seeing the Series 9 Pro has extra shaving elements. In addition to more advanced blades, the 9 Pro has more going on under the hood.

Feature/Aspect	Series 8	Series 9 Pro
Build Quality	8/10	8/10
Ergonomics	9/10	9/10
Cutting Power	8/10	10/10
Maneuverability	9/10	9/10
Shaving Comfort	8/10	10/10
Closeness of Shave	9/10	9/10
Charging	9/10	9/10
LED Indicators	9/10	9/10
Cleaning Station	9/10	9/10
Trimmer	1/10	1/10
Replacement Blades	18 months	18 months
Quietest	9/10	9/10
Price Comparison	Approx: $200+ USD, £200 UK, €270 EU	Approx: $300+ USD, £270 UK, and €270 EU

Blades – Shaving Elements

Series 8 has a similar foil shaving head with three shaving elements like the Series 5, 6, and 7 —2 x optifoils (cutters), skin guard, and a center trimmer that picks up longer or flat-lying hairs.

Series 9 Pro has 2 x optifoils, 1 Prolift trimmer, 1 direct & cut trimmer, and a skin guard. 

So we can see they both have the same important main elements that shave, the two foils. And they both have a skin guard; however, the skin guard on the Series 8 is placed much lower between the foils, and I don’t see how the skin guard could function properly, unlike this element on the Pro which is more in line with other shaving elements and can have an effect while shaving.

They both have an extra cutter within the shaving elements for picking up longer and flat-lying hairs, although on closer inspection, they do not look exactly the same. 

The 9 Pro also has the extra Prolift trimmer, which Braun states helps cut through tricky and tough hair.

Braun states the shaver head on the Braun Series 9 Pro is its most advanced shaver head and can shave up to 7 days of beard. I agree it is the most advanced and improved on the previous Series 9 models, but I would not go as far as shaving 7 days.

Motor and Cutting Actions

The Series 9 Pro offers 40’000 cutting actions per minute while the Series 8 offers 30’000. The 9 Pro will provide 10’000 more cutting actions because of the extra shaving element in movement alongside the other three per minute.

I can’t say this equates to 9 Pro having a more powerful motor, as Braun does not state this in the specs. It is possible it is slightly more powerful, but the main official difference is the cutting actions per minute.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Both shavers have good build quality and are made from strong plastics and rubberized sides. With both of them sharing the same rubberized grip and body shape, there is no difference in ergonomics.

Head Movement and Maneuverability 

The Braun Series 8 and 9 Pro share the 40° swiveling head movement. This swiveling head movement just means the head can move back and forth while shaving along the various contours of the face. 

The head movement can also be locked into place when needed. 

Precision Switch

The precision switch is what locks and unlocks the shaver head movement. On the 9 Pro, it is an independent locking switch, and on the Series 8 it is part of the thumb section that also provides grip. The Series 8 design is the same as the previous Series 9 models before the 9 Pro came on the market.

I prefer the 9 Pro switch and find it is an improvement. When I first used the type of switch on the Series 8 (same on the previous Series 9 models), I did not know it was a switch and believed the head did not lock. Maybe not noticing this lock was my error!

Other Technical Stuff 

Braun states in the specs that both shavers have Sonic Technology which provides 10’000 micro-vibrations which helps the shaver capture the hair more efficiently. 

This type of feature is not something that can be measured between shavers, and it’s more important to see how the shaver performs and shaves. 

Both shavers also share what Braun calls AutoSense technology. This technology translates into adapting to beard density. Many shaver companies mention this trendy-sounding and somewhat marketing hype feature in the specs.

Accessories and CleanCare Center

The accessories and the cleaning dock should not be a deal breaker when comparing and choosing an electric shaver. They are additional items that will likely bump up the cost and make no difference to the shaving experience, but they can support other aspects of the shaver, like cleaning and storing.

A big additional accessory and change that came to the Braun line of shavers via the Braun Series 9 Pro is the PowerCase. The PowerCase is a kind of power bank that is well-made and charges the shaver without a power lead. The PowerCase comes with some 9 Pro models, and while it does not come with any Series 84xx models, it can be bought separately and used.

Both shavers come with the same optional travel case, 5 in 1 CleanCare Center, and charging stand, although the charging stand with the Series 9 Pro looks somewhat better than the Series 8.

If a person is trying to lower the costs of one of these high-end shavers, purchasing a model with minimal accessories makes sense and will save money.

Charging

Both shavers provide 60 minutes runtime and a quick 5-minute boost for a five-minute shave. In addition, they both also take an hour to charge the battery fully. 

As mentioned, the Series 9 Pro can be bought with the PowerCase, which is an additional power bank charging feature, but it bumps up the costs compared to the Series 8.

The Trimmer

Both shavers have the same built-in trimmer that conveniently slides above the shaver head. However, like other built-in and attached trimmers on electric shavers, they could do a better job, and I prefer to use a dedicated trimmer or razor.

Braun Series 8 vs 9 Pro Shaving Performance

Of course, shaving performance is what matters most when we cut through all the detail and tech jargon.

Both shavers were tested under various shaving conditions; this included three days of growth, two days of growth, shaving daily, and wet shaving.

The Series 9 Pro was a step up compared to the 8 Series in terms of comfort and speed of shaving. While the Series 8 does get me the same end results, the 9 Pro gets me there quicker and with fewer passes or shaving strokes.

Getting the shave done with fewer shaving strokes can reduce or prevent skin irritation which is a bonus point for the 9 Pro.

As mentioned in my Braun Series 9 vs 9 Pro article, the 9 Pro improved the shaving experience with its new shaving head design.

I’m not knocking the Series 8, as it is a good shaver, and I found the shaving experience a step up from the Braun Series 7; it’s just the Series 9 Pro is another step up.

The Series 9 Pro and 8 provide a very close shave for electric shavers.

Which Shaver Is The Quietest?

Both shavers are equally pretty quiet, and it is hard to compare any significant difference. 

Price Comparison

The Series 9 Pro will naturally be more expensive than the Series 8. Both are quite pricey, though!

— Braun Series 84xx is priced at around $200+ USD, £200 UK, and €270 EU

— Braun Series 9 Pro 94xx is priced at around $300+ USD, £270 UK, and €270 EU

Prices will vary based on what accessories the shaver comes with, and sometimes the prices randomly change with one shaver model becoming a great deal. 

Final Thoughts – Which Shaver Is Best?

The Braun Series 9 Pro is a clear winner based on performance, and it will be the best choice for those who can spend a little more money. 

It simply comes down to the money a person can spend!

The Series 8 might still be above a buyer’s budget, and for those guys, the Series 7 that performs well might be worth considering.  

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