We compared two popular wet and dry electric shavers that take different approaches: the Philips Shaver Series 5000 with its 360-degree flexing heads, and the Braun Series 5 with its three-blade foil design.
What we looked at
Blade design, beard-sensing technology, waterproofing and cleaning, stated battery life, what is included in the box, and price.
The verdict
If you want a complete set with a pop-up trimmer, charging stand and travel pouch, and a sensor that adapts cutting power to hair density, the Philips Series 5000 is the fuller package, though it costs more on these listings. If you'd rather spend less on a fully waterproof foil shaver with a stated 3-week battery and quick charge, the Braun Series 5 is the value option.
A sensor-equipped rotary shaver with pop-up trimmer, stand and pouch included, but it costs more than the Braun.
The cheaper foil shaver, fully waterproof with a stated 3-week battery and quick charge, but no trimmer, stand or pouch listed.
Philips Shaver Series 5000 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver (S5884/35) — Most Complete Set
Intended for: Marketed as a wet and dry electric shaver with 45 self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades, a Power Adapt sensor that adjusts cutting power to hair density, and fully flexible 360-degree heads, supplied with a charging stand and travel pouch.
What we liked
- Stated up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute from 45 self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades
- Power Adapt sensor reads hair density 250 times a second and adapts cutting power
- Fully flexible heads turn 360 degrees to follow facial contours
- Includes an integrated pop-up trimmer, charging stand and hard travel pouch
- Wet and dry use
Worth knowing
- Costs more than the Braun Series 5 on these listings
- Comes with a USB-A charging cable, and the wall adaptor is not included
Best for
- Buyers who want a rotary-head shaver with a sensor and trimmer in the box
- People who want a charging stand and travel pouch included
- Anyone who wants a shaver that senses hair density and adapts its cutting power
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who prefers a foil-style shaver
Braun Series 5 Electric Shaver 51-B1000s (Blue) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a 100% waterproof wet and dry foil shaver with three flexible blades, AutoSense technology that adapts power to beard density, an EasyClean system and a Li-Ion battery stated to give up to 3 weeks of shaving.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Philips Series 5000 on these listings
- Three flexible blades that adapt to facial contours, with AutoSense technology adapting power to beard density
- 100% waterproof for wet and dry use
- EasyClean system for quick cleaning without removing the shaver head
- Li-Ion battery stated for up to 3 weeks of shaving (50 minutes), with a 5-minute quick charge for one full shave
Worth knowing
- No trimmer, stand or travel pouch listed in the box, unlike the Philips set
- Comes with a 2-pin plug charger, so a 3-pin socket needs an adapter
Best for
- Buyers who prefer a foil-style shaver at a lower price
- Anyone who wants a stated 3-week battery and quick charge
- People who want a fully waterproof, easy-clean shaver
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a charging stand, pouch and trimmer included
- Buyers who prefer a rotary-head shaver
