Philips Norelco Bodygroom 3000 Series vs 5000 Series – Which is Best?
Our body grooming tool season of product reviews is well underway. After recently testing and reviewing the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 3000 Series and 5000 Series, it made sense to have them compared for you guys.
The 3000 and 5000 Series are both grooming tools that aim to trim and shave any bodily hair from the neck down.
There are a lot of similarities between these groomers, and they are identical in many ways. However, there are a few important differences that I will explain that should help you decide which is best suited –if you are considering either of them.
I had some fun testing out and using the Bodygroom 5000 Series and 3000 Series, and while they didn’t wow me, I found them to be useful, and they have some positives. Many other guys are extremely happy with the grooming results from them.
Similarities
The body groomers share the exact same slim design and shape. The ergonomics are slight but effective enough for grooming.
They also share the same shaver head and cassette with two trimmers on either side of the slightly large foil. The heads on these can effectively trim and shave hair simultaneously, or more accurately, the trimmer blades trim before the foil shaves.
Differences
As the 5000 Series follows the 3000 Series, it makes sense that we should find some differences and enhancements with the 5000 Series.
Battery
The main difference in devices relates to the 5000 Series having a better battery.
3000 Series: The Ni-MH battery takes 8 hours to charge fully and provides 50 minutes of body grooming runtime.
5000 Series: The Li-ion battery takes 1 hour to charge fully and provides 60 minutes of trimming and shaving time.
A Li-ion battery is overall a better battery these days than Ni-MH, and not just because the Li-ion is a lit faster to charge and provides more runtime. The Li-ion will power motors better and has improved memory, which means it can be charged many times without fully discharging first – unlike Ni-MH batteries.
The Casing
The casing surrounding the body groomers is slightly different. The 5000 Series has a matte finish on the back section that offers better grip, and it has two silver sections that make it more attractive for some guys.
The casing difference is not a deal breaker by any means.
Accessories
The 3000 Series mostly comes with only one 3mm trimmer comb and no back-reacher attachment. However, I have seen a BG3010/40 (US) model with one 3mm comb and back-reacher and a BG3015/15 (EU) model with three combs (3-5-7 mm) and no back-reacher.
The 5000 Series comes with three trimmer combs (3-5-7 mm) and the back-reacher.
It’s a no-brainer for guys that do not wish to sport a hairy back or need to trim body hair at various levels –get the 5000 Series. Or for those in the US, they still may be able to find a BG3010/40 model if one comb and the back reacher are what they want.
The back reacher is a very useful tool!
3000 Series vs 5000 Series Performance
I tested and used both body groomers on my chest, armpits, groin area, and my beloved family jewels.
I found none to very little difference in performance and how close the body groomers shaved. The 5000 Series might be slightly quicker, but I cannot confirm that.
As mentioned in the separate reviews for these groomers, they can trim well, but they take quite a long time to finish the job. They can also shave, but not as close as a razor which is expected.
The groomers are better at trimming the groin, pubic area, and nether regions than shaving. I got nicks while shaving down there, and uneven shaving around the pubic area, but trimming around all this area was pretty good.
Price Difference
Strangely, the US 5000 Series is currently cheaper than the 3000 Series, so it would be a no-brainer to buy the 5000 Series.
3000 Series: US – $49.99, UK* – £35, and EU* – €34,99
5000 Series: $37.99 US, UK – £49.00, and EU – €49.49
Both groomers use the same replacement cassettes that should be replaced every 12 months (approximately) and cost the same $15 (£15 – €15).
Final Thoughts — Which Is Best?
It’s a no-brainer for those in the US at the moment –the 5000 Series is the best option. It’s cheaper, has a battery that provides 10 minutes more runtime, charges 7 hours quicker, and comes with the extra accessories.
If you only require the 3mm trimmer comb (not three), don’t require a back reacher, or the quick charge time and 10 minutes extra runtime the 5000 offers, then a 3000 Series is a good choice (only if the 3000 Series is somewhat cheaper, though).
Nothing is between the 3000 and 5000 Series in terms of performance or a closer shave. It’s all about the battery and accessories.
