Panasonic ES-CM3 Review – Best Compact Travel Shaver So Far, But Pricey
Panasonic ES-CM3B Swipe Right
The Panasonic Swipe Right (ES-CM3A and ES-CM3B) compact shaver, introduced in 2024, appears to have made an impact, as evidenced by the number of copies available on Amazon. It is a pretty mean shaver that is easily one of the best travel shavers to pack away for any type of trip.
Pros
Its compact and unique design makes it almost perfect for travel and easy to fit anywhere
The small size allows for superior precision, making it excellent for detailing areas like under the nose
The convenient and modern swipe-to-start function
It contours and maintains skin contact very well
Cons
Its high price is a drawback for a compact shaver
The swipe-to-start feature is a bit sensitive and can accidentally turn on the shave
The shaver does not have a built-in trimmer
I had high hopes for this compact travel shaver from Panasonic, although the small size gave me reservations. As you probably know, Panasonic has a reputation for making powerful and efficient shavers (the Panasonic ARC 5 being a notable example), and I wasn’t let down.
I was genuinely surprised by how a shaver this small could deliver such a good shave on the go.
The model I have is the ES-CM3B, which is the European version. In the USA, it’s the ES-CM3A. The “B” simply indicates that it’s a revised model. Still, the only real difference is the battery life—my 3B model provides approximately 45 minutes of runtime—while the USA model offers 60 minutes. They’re otherwise identical in performance and shave quality. In the UK and Europe, it’s also known as the Panasonic 700 series CM3.
This review is based on my personal experience with this compact travel shaver over the last few weeks. I’ll share my thoughts on its features, performance, whether it’s worth the price tag, and who it’s best suited for.
Description & Features
Unboxing is not too eventful. The shaver kit includes the shaver, a USB Type-C cord and Adapter, a Small Bottle of Oil, a Cleaning brush, and a Mini Instruction Pamphlet.
It comes with a top cap that covers the cutting elements nicely when it is not in use.
Design and Ergonomics
The design of the ES-CM3 is what sets it apart from other models. It’s incredibly compact, making it perfect for stowing in a glove compartment, a dopp kit, or even your pocket.
Design & Ergonomics Ratings
I cannot rate the CM3 ergonomics in the same way as I rate other shavers, as its design is compact rather than having a body that can be shaped well to fit comfortably in the hand.
Its size is perfect for a travel shaver, which is probably why it has so many copies available online, such as those on Amazon.
When I put my Panasonic Arc 3 ES-RM3B next to the CM3B, it is easy to see they have the exact same heads. It’s as if they’ve chopped off the head of the Arc 3 (see next video clip).
Tech Stuff- Quick Glance
- 39,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. Each of the three shaving elements equals 13,000 per minute.
- Advanced mag-lev technology. Panasonic states – the world’s strongest magnets.
- Beard sensor technology. Its power changes based on beard density.
- 13,000 cycles-per-minute (CPM) / Linear Motor. Panasonic’s typical type of measurement.
Size and Weight
- Measurements Approx. : H – 75.3 x W – 67 x D – 31.2 mm
- Weight Approx. : 123 g (4.33 oz)
That’s a glance at the tech stuff. I leave the promotion of those up to Panasonic, as my concern is its functionality and performance—the things that matter.
Swipe-to-Start
The unique swipe feature is a neat touch (see next video clip). You just swipe your finger (mostly my thumb) across the front to turn it on and off. It’s convenient, but I’ve found it can be a bit sensitive, and it turns on by accident at times.
We can actually swipe it left or right to switch it on or off, or use the left swipe for on and off (and vice versa – right, right).
It’s not a big deal when we accidentally activate it, though, as we can just swipe it off again.
Of course, an on-and-off button does the trick, but I really like this cool feature.
It was tricky to switch on and off while cleaning the shaver, at times. I guess the water makes it insensitive to touch. It is not an issue for me, but it is worth mentioning.
Three-Element Cutter System
This shaver is essentially a Panasonic Arc 3 without the handle. It has two outer foils and a central trimmer. This trimmer is designed to catch longer, flat-lying hairs before the foils get to work. This makes for a more efficient shave, and I found it really helps, especially with my thick, coarse growth.
Blades Movement/Flex Ratings
These cutting elements all flex independently, which is a standard feature and a must for a shaver.
Just like other Panasonic shavers, including the Arc 5, the foils are quite slim, which I personally appreciate. The advantage of being slimmer is the ability to be more precise when shaving—the disadvantage is not covering more area as quickly.
Precision Shaving – No Handle
Since it has no bulky handle, this shaver provides fantastic control for precise areas. I found it was excellent for getting under my nose and shaping my sideburns.
The lack of a handle or shaver body meant it lacked the same ability to move up and down with larger strokes while shaving that a standard shaver provides. It has the advantage of being easy to maneuver around tight spots (such as the chin, under the nose, and sideburns), but the disadvantage of moving around larger areas of the cheek and neck.
While it doesn’t have the pivoting or flex head of larger shavers, the individual flexing foils and center trimmer adapt very well to the contours of the jaw and chin.
USB-C Charging, Battery, and Indicators
It comes with a USB-C cord, which is a plus. This makes it super easy to charge, whether you’re using the included wall adapter or just plugging it into a laptop or a portable power bank. Ideal travel feature, I say!
There’s a small flap that covers the port (see next video clip below), and it’s essential to keep this closed to maintain its waterproof rating.
The 45-minute (EU/UK) or 60-minute (US) runtime is comparable to that of most standard shavers. Oddly, the revision B version, having less runtime, does not make sense. Still, I guess Panasonic has its reasons for that difference.
I found the runtime is fairly accurate, and I can confirm it takes about 1 hour to recharge.
As expected, the LED indicators are basic and include a red light for low battery and a charging light that turns off when the battery is full. It flashes red when it has only a few minutes of use left and beeps, which I found useful.
Waterproofing, Cleaning, and Maintenance
The ES-CM3 features an IPX7 waterproof rating, allowing for use in wet shaving or cleaning under running water.
Cleaning & Maintenance Ratings
Cleaning: Cleaning is a breeze. I usually just pop off the head, blow out the hair, and then give it a quick brush. For a more thorough clean, I apply a couple of drops of antibacterial soap to the foils, run the shaver under some water for about 10 seconds, and then rinse it thoroughly.
Of course, there is no cleaning station option as expected with a travel shaver.
Oiling: After every wet clean or wet shave, I ensure that I apply a couple of drops of oil to the foils and let the shaver run for a few seconds. This helps the blades run more efficiently and extends their lifespan.
Replacement Parts: The foils require replacement approximately once a year, while the inner blades can last up to two years. You can buy them separately or as a more cost-effective set.
Part Numbers:
- Foil: WES9087PC – USA / WES9087Y UK-EU
- Inner Cutters: WES9068PC USA / WES9068Y UK-EU
The foil and cutters are easy enough to remove.
The first step is to remove the foil head. Press the two push buttons on the side of the head to release the foil head. Then, press the cap retainers on both sides of the head containing the foil to remove it (this is the part to be replaced). When replacing the foil cap, it must be fitted only one way. However, two arrows on the side can be used as a guide, and these two arrows must match the same side as the Arc logo. The next video clip will show you this better than I can explain.
To remove the two cutters, we simply pull each one of their struts, and then to replace them, we fit them back in place.
Shaving Experiences
In the shaving tests, I focused on how well it followed the contours of my face, maintained skin contact, and shaved in tricky areas, such as under the nose and around the mouth. I also paid attention to the comfort level and the final closeness of the shave, noting any stubborn patches or missed hairs.
I used the shaver daily, every other day, and on three to four days of growth. I also tested wet shaving and head shaving!
With 3 plus days of growth, the shaver struggled a bit. It eventually gets the job done, but it takes more time and multiple passes to remove leftover patches. This is pretty common for most foil shavers with my beard type.
2 to 3 days of growth is the sweet spot for me. When I used it on just under three days of growth, the shave was fast and very close—just as quick and precise as a full-size Panasonic Arc 3.
It performs great for daily shaving, but I find that shaving every day with a foil shaver can cause some irritation on my skin. If you have tougher skin or regularly shave daily, you’ll be fine with this.
I tried wet shaving with a traditional cream. It worked fine, but I personally don’t see a significant improvement with electric shavers, including this one. However, if you’re a fan of wet shaving with an electric shaver, this one should be more than capable of meeting your needs.
It is excellent for getting a close head shave and gets closer than any of the dedicated head shavers I have used and reviewed. The biggest negative is the lack of optimal ergonomics for shaving around the back of the head, as well as the limited coverage compared to a rotary-style shaver. I really loved the closeness, though!
The small design, without a body, made clearing up leftover patches somewhat easier and more efficient than some other shavers. This is because of the control I have when holding it.
Any stray, uncut hairs were easily removed when the area was re-shaved.
Tricky areas, such as under the nose, around the Adam’s apple, and the sideburns, are easily shaved with the ES-CM3, and I think this is an aspect where this shaver shines.
Despite not having a flex head feature like many standard shavers, the ES-CM3 shaves well over various contours, such as the jaw and chin area (see next video clip), while maintaining skin contact throughout the shave.
The result was a fairly close shave. Many areas were as close as a manual razor; however, a couple of areas under the neck had minimal stubble leftover (keep in mind I have coarse growth, though).
In terms of irritation. I felt some slight stinging after shaving, which is normal for me with a shaver that can shave quickly and closely. I cleared this up with post-shave balm.
How about the noise level? Like most foil shavers, it is pretty loud. However, as it has no shaver body, the noise is reduced somewhat, as I found when I compared it side by side with the Panasonic Arc 3.
Costs
The first hurdle for many people will be the price. This is not a budget-friendly shaver, especially considering it’s primarily designed as a compact or backup device.
In the US, it sells for just over $100, and in the UK, it’s around £120. That’s steep for something so small.
You also need to factor in the cost of replacement parts.
In the US, a new foil costs between $20 and $30, while blades are around $15 and $20. You can also buy them as a set for $35–45, which is usually the better option. The same applies in the UK with similar pricing in pounds. It’s not outrageous, but it adds to the overall cost of ownership.
Final Thoughts – Verdict (Whose It For?)
The Panasonic ES-CM3 provides a surprisingly close and efficient shave for its size. If you’re looking for the most compact, high-quality travel shaver on the market, you really are looking at one of the best.
It is useful for anyone on the go. It could be useful for keeping in the glove compartment of a car for convenience, allowing for a quick shave before a meeting, or stowed in a backpack on a camping trip.
The only real downside is the cost. At just over $100 or £120, it’s not cheap. While it’s a brilliant little device, that price might be a bit steep for some. If it were in the $70 or £70 range, it would be an absolute steal. Still, you’re paying for Panasonic’s quality and the convenience of a powerful, travel-friendly shaver.
I have not used any other travel shavers that compare so well. The Braun MobileShave M-60 and M-90 are good compact travel tools that are much cheaper, but they do not compare to the performance of the Panasonic Swipe.
Please drop a comment below if you have further questions about the Panasonic ES-CM3 or if you have any experience with the shaver that you’d like to share.
