Electric Shaver Comparison

Panasonic Arc5 vs Braun Series 9 – Comparison & Differences Explained

Two top-of-the-range electric shavers that I previously used, tested, and reviewed needed comparing ‘Braun Series 9 vs Panasonic Arc5‘ against each other. They make great comparisons!

Several emails recently have asked if the Braun Series 9 is a better shaver than the Panasonic Arc5. Unfortunately, these non-specific emails are quite tricky to respond to because most electric shavers might have an advantage in one way rather than another regarding performance, features, and functions.

If a reader emails and asks which one provides the closest shave, the most comfortable shave, has better-charging functions, or any other specific requests, they are much easier to answer. The right shaver should be the question!

Not to worry, this article is about answering as many questions as possible about the differences and similarities between the Panasonic Arc5 and Braun Series 9. And highlight the best aspects of each shaver.

Models – Versions Reviewed

Braun and Panasonic release quite a few versions of the same shavers with upgrades and revisions. Unfortunately, these upgrades and revisions make it a complex process for me to review the shavers, and even more complex for buyers to know the right model to buy.

Most of these revisions and upgrades do not change the fundamentals of how that series performs and shaves. However, sometimes other significant changes are made.

Let’s Compare What’s Most Important

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

Feature/Aspect	Series 9	Arc5
Build Quality	8/10	8/10
Ergonomics	9/10	9/10
Cutting Power	9/10	10/10
Maneuverability	9/10	7/10
Shaving Comfort	10/10	7/10
Closeness of Shave	9/10	10/10
Charging	9/10	8/10
LED Indicators	9/10	10/10
Cleaning Station	9/10	8/10
Trimmer	1/10	1/10
Replacement Blades	18 months	1 + 2 years*
Quietest	7/10	10/10
Price Comparison	Approx: $300 USD, £280, €290	Approx: $280 USD, £260, €280**

*Panasonic advises users to change the blades every two years and the foils once a year when using the shaver daily for 3 minutes per shave.

**Prices vary based on what accessories they come with and websites like amazon and others will have offers and price changes, frequently.

I really want to try and keep this simple and not get you too caught up in the technical jargon of these shavers. So let’s leave the technical jargon with Braun and the Panasonic marketing team to make simple features sound unique and complex while we focus on the practical what works stuff.

The first main feature that keeps something simple for the Braun Series 9 and Arc5 comparison is they are both foil shavers.

Next, the motors and blades (shaving elements). They are not quite as similar!

Motors

We never really know what is under the bonnet of an electric shaver like we do with a car. We have to trust in what the companies that sell them tell us in the specs, and then most importantly how they perform when we use them.

This is where the Panasonic Arc 5 excels among its competitors. The 14,000 CPM linear motor on the Arc 5 has an output of 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute which is massive and even the Braun Series 9 has only 40’000, which is still very powerful.

Braun does not provide a CPM like Panasonic, but I am not sure what that tells us when comparing the shavers anyway — when looking for one that is better than another.

When using the Panasonic Arc5, it feels like it has more cutting power and does shave faster. It’s more aggressive which tells me it either has a more powerful motor, better cutting blades, or both.

Blades – Shaving Elements

The Panasonic Arc5 has four foils, two foils on either side of the center cutter within the cassette. It also has two skin guards that sit between each of the two sets of foils.

The foils are much slimmer on the Arc5 than on the Braun Series 9. 

The Braun Series 9 cassette contains five shaving elements. Two larger foils than the Arc5, two cutters, and a skin guard (this does not cut). 

We can see that both razors have different blades or cutting elements. I have found this does affect the shave.

When shaving, the blade system of the Arc5 seems more aggressive and gives a slightly closer shave than the Series 9. However, the elements and extra cutters on the Braun Series 9 seem to offer more comfort while shaving, and these cutters work on picking up flat-lying hairs.

Men with sensitive skin and prone to irritation will find the Series 9 a better option, but those with tougher skin and dense beard growth might find the Arc5, with its simple and effective foil system, the better choice.

Build Quality

With most of these top-of-the-range electric shavers, I feel like I should be getting something more heavy duty which is likely about what they cost; they are not cheap to buy. 

Most, including the Braun Series 9 and Arc5, have a somewhat plasticky feel. However, when I let go of my heavy-duty expectations, these two shavers feel equally solid enough to last up to 5 years or more. 

Nothing between these guys here!

Ergonomics

Both the Series 9 and Arc5 have a body that’s ergonomically designed to fit well in the hands while shaving, and equally have rubberized sections to support grip. 

There is nothing to note between these shavers in terms of one being more ergonomically friendly than the other.

Cutting Power

Braun states the Series 9 shaver offers 40’000 cross-cutting actions per minute while the Panasonic Arc5 offers 70’000 cross-cutting actions per minute. Unfortunately, this is not something we can measure, and we can only make a comparison while they are in use.

As mentioned, the Arc5 does feel like a more aggressive razor and shave. This could be because of the cutting actions or other factors such as the blades and motor, or a combination of these factors.

Head Movement and Flexibility

A shaver needs some kind of movement and flexibility for users while shaving. Therefore, it’s a helpful feature to enable a shaver to move along the contours of the face more easily. 

The Braun Series 9 has a 10-directional pivoted head that can also be locked when needed. Alongside the flexibility the blades or shaving elements offer, the Braun Series 9 has great flexibility and movement.

The Panasonic Arc6 shaving elements, just like the Series 9, adjust with the contours of the face and the pressure made while shaving. However, the Arc5 has a much bulkier head than the Series 9, and when it is unlocked, it feels slightly loose and flops around a bit. 

Some users might favor the looseness and maybe even the size of the Panasonic Arc5 head, while others like me prefer the Series 9 tighter movement and smaller head.

Maneuverability 

As stated in the above section, the head on the Panasonic Arc5 is quite bulky, affecting its maneuverability. However, it’s not bad in any way, and any user like I did, will soon get used to it; I just feel Braun has the upper hand here.

Shaving Comfort

We have covered shaving comfort already, and the Braun series 9 seems to have the edge over the Arc5 again. 

Keep in mind that shavers or razors require a skin adjustment period. Therefore, the first couple of shaves may feel harsh with some shaving tools, and the Arc5 could easily be slightly harsh on the first couple of shaves.

Both of these shavers can shave wet and dry, and if you need that little extra comfort while shaving, you have the option to shave wet with shaving cream, soap, or pre-electric shave lotions.

Closeness of Shave

While the Braun Series 9 has the edge over the Arc5 within the comfort ratings, the Arc5 just has that extra closeness.

Those extra foils on the Arc5, and possibly the Japanese blades’ quality, could be why the Arc5 shaves just that bit closer.

The Braun Series 9 will also get just as close shave, but it will just take more effort and shaving strokes.

Charging

Panasonic Arc5: Charging is completed in about 1 hour, providing approximately 45 minutes of cordless shaving time. A quick 5-minute charge should be able to provide a user with an emergency shave.

One feature I like about the Arc5 is when a user picks it up the shaver the percentage of battery life automatically lights up.

Braun Series 9 Pro: A fully charged battery takes up to an hour to be charged, although users can give the shaver a quick 5-minute charge for 1 or 2 shaves. A full charge will give users about 60 minutes of cordless shaving time.

As we can see, the Series 9 seems to provide an extra 15 minutes runtime. That’s not a deal breaker, but it’s an extra point for Braun.

Other Aspects of the Shavers to Compare 

Those are the most important aspects covered, which can be deal breakers for many buyers when choosing a shaver. Now, we can look at other aspects that may not affect the choice of shaver as much.

LED Indicators

Of course, LED or digital indicators are not a deal breaker when it comes to purchasing the right shaver, and we can easily do well with simple on/off and charging lights. However, some of the light indicators and style do add an extra layer of usefulness.

The Series 9 and Arc5 both have very similar indicators such as the amount of charge left, power cord attached, travel lock, cleaning light and replacement foils warning.

The Arc5 does also have a shaving sensor which relates to the density of a beard while shaving, and both shavers have this beard density technology, but the Arc5 has the indicator light as well.

The Arc5 indicates the charge left in percentage, which is something I prefer.

Cleaning and Charging Dock

The cleaning and charging dock that comes with some Arc5 models has a bottom section which is filled with cleaning fluid. The Series 9 uses replaceable fluid cartridges and these cartridges cost more to replace unless a person refills them with their own liquid (Braun advises against this, of course, because if you DIY it they don’t make more money).

There is an issue with the Panasonic Arc5 cleaning station though. Because the fluid is not contained in a cartridge, when moving the machine about it could spill, and if you are not using the shaver for a period of time that fluid will evaporate as it contains alcohol. The Braun Series 9 cartridges can be closed and stored for a period of time, which is much better in that sense.

Both these shavers clean fine without a cleaning station. They are not necessary, but nice to have and convenient.

Trimmer

I have not as yet found an attached trimmer on an electric shaver that is better than useless. They just never trim, and this is the case for both the Series 9 and Arc5 shavers.

Which Shaver Is The Quietest?

The Series 9 and Arc5 are foil shavers with a lot of cutting actions happening and powerful motors, and with this they are quite loud. Not extremely loud though like an Andis ProFoil shaver sort of sound.

The Panasonic Arc5 most definitely leans more heavily on the louder side than the Series 9. However, I would not let that be any type of deal breaker, and you get the power of the Arc5.

Buyers should think about rotary shavers like the Norelco Philips S9000 or 7000 Series if noise is a real issue. Rotary shavers are much quieter!

Price Comparison

Now, this is an important consideration. How much is this all gonna cost?

These razors do require pretty deep pockets!

• Series 9: Approx: $300 USD, £280, €290
• Arc 5: Approx: $280 USD, £260, €280

*Prices will vary based on the accessories included, and store it is sold. The approx. prices above are based on models with the cleaning station.

Replacement Blades

• Series 9: Approx: $50 USD, £50, €55
• Arc 5: Approx: $28 – $50 USD, £25 – $50, €30 – €55*

*The blade head components are different on the Arc5 compared to the Series 9. The Arc5 has two components, which include two blades and the head section that can be bought separately or together. The foils should be changed every 12 months, and the inner blades should be changed every 2 years.

Braun keeps the blade head replacement aspect of these shavers more simplistic than Panasonic. If purchasing the replacements within the time periods as advised by both companies, then the Panasonic could be more costly.

Overall, they are both within the same upper price range.

Braun Series 9 Pro and Panasonic Arc6

While I am comparing the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc6, we now have the Series 9 Pro and Arc 6 shavers available. When I first reviewed the Series 9 and Arc5, the 9 Pro and Arc6 were not on the market.

The more detailed differences about the Braun Shavers can be found in the Braun Series 9 vs 9 Pro comparison article. I can give a quick overview here, though.

The Series 9 Pro has an upgraded cassette and blades, and the biggest change in the cassette is one of the cutters. The ProLift Trimmer is now a Lift & Cut trimmer, the on and off switch has been changed, and a power bank like PowerCase can now be bought with the shaver.

The Series 9 Pro did perform better in my testing stages in the review, and I would recommend that people purchase the 9 Pro now over the Series 9 unless a Series 9 can be bought much cheaper.

The Panasonic Arc6 was introduced in 2022 — this model has a large change, it has six shaving elements. Much of the rest of the shaver is the same, but there are differences.

The Panasonic Arc6 did not prove to have the same kind of performance differences when shaving as the Braun Series 9 and Pro did, when comparing the Panasonic Arc5 and Arc6 — which leads me to suggest that buyers can stick with buying the Arc5 for now.

Final Thoughts – Which Shaver Is Best?

Both the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc5 are among the best electric shavers on the market, at the top end of the price scale. They have been excellent shavers to use and compare.

The biggest difference in performance, and this is what matters the most — is the Braun Series 9 provides a more comfortable shave, whereas the Panasonic Arc5 plows through heavier growth like it is out of fashion, a more aggressive shaver.

Gents with sensitive skin or who just prefer the best comfortable shave they can get are likely to find the Series 9 to be the best shaver. The Braun Series 9 also seems to be a better shaver at picking up flat lying hairs, with the trimmer elements.

It’s worth considering all the other factors above and comparing them if the comfort of the Series 9 and the aggressiveness of the Arc5 are not deal breakers.

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