Review Summary
Pros: Close and comfortable shaves, fast and enjoyable to use, great with short and longer stubble, suitable for sensitive skin, practical cleaning station, up to 5 years of warranty
Cons: Noisy, mediocre hair trimmer, no USB-C charging, pricey
After 10 years of mostly incremental revisions to the original Series 9, last year we got what is arguably the most significant update yet.
The Series 9 PRO+ 96xx is now the latest iteration of Braun’s top-of-the-line family of electric razors.
This release of yet another Series 9 update came as a surprise because most of us were expecting a completely new series.
However, the 96xx Series 9 PRO+ comes with a suite of new features and updates, and at least two of them have the potential to improve the performance.
With limited availability at launch, I managed to buy a UK model, and I’ve been testing it for a few months now.
In this review of the Braun Series 9 PRO+ (96xx), we’ll see how it shaves, how much better it is vs the previous Series 9 models and whether it’s worth upgrading.
I’ll also compare this new S9 PRO+ to the flagship shavers from Panasonic and Philips, namely the Arc 6 and the i9000 Prestige Ultra.
UPDATE July 2026: Braun has finally released the successor to the Series 9 family, called the Nevo. In terms of shaving performance, the Nevo is very similar to the 96xx, offering comparable closeness while being even smoother and more forgiving. For more details and an in-depth comparison, you can check out my review of the Nevo.
S9 PRO+ 96xx: overview and model comparison
Braun launched the new range-topping shavers in June 2025 and they were initially only available in the UK.
More countries followed a few months after that, including the USA and Canada.
The Braun USA website finally shows the new shavers, while Braun UK lists 7 different models, all of them starting with 96.
As we know, the previous Series 9 PRO+ models start with 95, so we can easily tell the new models apart.
Here’s a comparison table of the USA 96xx models:
| Model | Kit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9697CC, Silver (Matte) | Cleaning station, textile case | Amazon |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9660CCPS, Black (Matte) | Cleaning station, textile case | Amazon |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9677cc, Silver (Matte) | Cleaning station, charging case | Amazon |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9667cc, Silver (Matte) | Cleaning station, textile case | Amazon |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9617s, Silver (Matte) | Textile case | Amazon |
Apart from the 9617s, all of them are cc models, so they come with the automatic cleaning station.
However, they include different extra accessories.
The 9697CC comes with a massage head (which can be quite effective and useful), while the 9660CCPS includes an extra 96M replacement head.
The 9677cc, which is also available via Braun.com in the USA, includes a PowerCase instead of the basic textile travel case.
It acts like a power bank + case for your S9 PRO+, but it is quite bulky and heavy, so not exactly travel-friendly.
And here are the UK 96xx models, also available at Braunshop UK:
| Model | Case | Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9610s, Black (Matte) | Textile | No (includes a charging stand) |
Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9610si, Black (Matte) | Textile | No (includes a charging stand) |
Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9625s, Graphite (Matte) | Charging case | No (includes a charging stand) |
Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9665cce, Graphite (Matte) | Textile | Yes |
Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9667cc, Silver (Matte) | Textile | Yes |
Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9670cc, Black (Matte) | Charging case | Yes |
Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9677cce, Silver (Matte) | Charging case | Yes |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9697CC, Silver (Matte) | Textile | Yes |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9660CCPS, Black (Matte) | Textile | Yes |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9677cc, Silver (Matte) | Charging case | Yes |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9667cc, Silver (Matte) | Textile | Yes |
| Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9617s, Silver (Matte) | Textile | No |
There will probably be more country-specific model names in the future, but the main features will be the same.
As usual, the differences come down to color and included accessories.
Also, while previously we only had cc (clean&charge) and s (solo) Series 9 model names, we now have si and cce as well.
From what I can tell, the si, ccps and cce only refer to the packaging of the shaver.
Specifically, they come in larger boxes made of thicker cardboard that can be shipped without additional packaging, thus reducing waste.
So the new si and cce/ccps models aren’t in any way different in terms of features from the s and cc, respectively.
I will update the comparison tables as more 96xx S9 PRO+ models will be released.
Features and updates
Let’s briefly go over the main features of the 96xx S9 PRO+, focusing mainly on the new stuff and clearing up some of the taglines.
1. New shaving head (cassette)
This is by far the most important change the new 96xx Series 9 PRO+ brings to the table.
Specifically, it comes with a new shaving head called 96M.
The existing Series 9 PRO and PRO+ use the 94M cassette, while the older (non-Pro) Series 9 comes with a 92 head.
According to Braun, the new 96M cassette features two new blades inside the outermost foil elements and are thinner and able to cut the hair closer to the skin.
Moreover, the two blades feature the same Titanium Nitride coating as the distinctive gold ProLift trimmer.
This should help with edge retention and make the cutting action more efficient.
The other two elements of the cassette (ProLift, Direct&Cut) have remained unchanged from the previous 94M cassette.
It’s important to note that the Series 9, including the PRO and PRO+, is a 4-blade foil shaver.
That’s because all the cassettes, including this latest 96M feature 4 active cutting elements.
I wanted to explicitly state this because Braun mentions a 5+1 head in the official product pages for the 96xx and also on the packaging.
The fifth one is, according to Braun, the SkinGuard element, a simple metal bar right next to one of the two slit cutters.
And the sixth element (that elusive +1 in the 5+1) is, according to Braun, the extendable hair trimmer.
I think we can all agree that the 96xx is still, without a doubt, a four-blade electric razor.
Important: the new 96M cassette is backward compatible with all Series 9 shavers, regardless of generation, be it non-Pro or PRO/PRO+.
This is great news for current Series 9 (and PRO/PRO+) owners, as it means they will be able to upgrade their shaver with the latest cassette.
I tried it on my older Series 9 razors and it works perfectly.
Later on, I’ll also tell you if it’s worth buying the new shaver or if you should just upgrade the cassette.
2. New beard density sensor
The previous Series 9 (93xx, 94xx, 95xx) were fitted with an AutoSense beard density sensor.
This technology was able to assess beard density 160 times per second and adjust the motor output accordingly.
To be honest, I never noticed it while shaving.
With Panasonic for example, you can clearly hear and feel the motor ramping up when going over a dense patch of stubble.
For the new 96xx Series 9 PRO+, Braun replaced the AutoSense with a new Pro SensoAdapt sensor that is significantly more capable, at least specs-wise.
This updated sensor can read the hair density 300 times a second, so it should be a noticeable upgrade.
Personally, I was always wary of the real-world effectiveness of this tech as it never seemed to improve anything (regardless of brand).
Panasonic even offered the option to disable the sensor completely and shave at full power (such a shaver is the old and excellent ES-LV65).
3. Flexible head and blades
Nothing has changed in the design of the actual head.
As such, we still get the very basic, but highly effective 40-degree front-to-back flexing.
This, along with the generous and smooth movement of the 4 cutters make the S9 PRO+ one of the more compliant foil shavers out there.
But because the cutters have a lot of give, it also means the closeness was never quite as good as in the case of the high-end Panasonic models.
We’ll see if the new 96M cassette can make up for this shortcoming with the new thinner blades.
4. New LED display
To be perfectly honest, new is a bit of a stretch.
The 2025 S9 PRO+ has a sharper, slightly enhanced display that now features a splash of color, but it’s otherwise the same.
That means there’s no additional info displayed, like the elapsed time.
Braun has fallen behind in this regard, especially when compared to Philips that can display a plethora of info on the display of the i9000 Prestige Ultra and even more so inside the app.
There’s no smartphone app for the S9 PRO+; I personally don’t mind it as I tend to like the simpler, straightforward approach, but some users do want more tech.
And considering the price of the shavers and the offerings from Philips or even Panasonic with the latest Japanese Arc 6 (Lamdash Pro 6), the S9 family is starting to look a bit outdated.
I will further discuss the display of the 96xx S9 PRO+ in the next section because it also comes with a downgrade compared to the 95xx generation.
5. Automatic cleaning station
The latest Braun Series 9 PRO+ comes with the same 6in1 SmartCare center as before (3 cleaning programs).
So there’s no update to the cleaning system, except for the plastic trim at the top that is now black vs silver on the 95xx station.
Apart from that, it is exactly the same (model 5430 CS S-8&9).
That means if you buy a 96xx S9 PRO+, the shaver will be fully compatible with a cleaner from an older 93xx, 94xx and 95xx.
This is also true in the case of a solo 96xx, meaning an s or si model that didn’t originally come with a station will still work with one.
6. Wet&dry, cordless only use
Again, there are no changes here — all the new 96xx models will only work cordless and are fitted with a rechargeable Li-ion battery.
This ensures up to 60 minutes of use from a single charge.
The wet&dry seal means you’ll be able to shave in the shower but also easily clean the shaver with water.
Sadly, there’s still no USB-C charging, something that Panasonic for example offers with the latest Arc 5 and Arc 6 revisions.
7. New thumb rest
Yes, this is actually a new feature of the 2025 S9 PRO+ 96xx.
The thumb rest area now features a different texture, which should make it grippier.
I personally found the old one perfectly fine, and it didn’t really need to be updated.
8. Up to 5 years of warranty
Apart from the standard 2-year warranty, you have the option to register your S9 PRO+ on Braun’s website and get 3 additional years.
This will likely be country-specific (meaning it may not be available depending on where you live) and also run for a limited time.
I was able to register mine and get the full 5 years of warranty.
Included accessories
As you can tell from the table in the comparison section, there are many variations available with different accessories.
More model names will follow as the 96xx generation will be released globally.
My review unit is the Braun S9 PRO+ 9665cce and it came with the following bundle:
- Cleaning station
- Cleaning cartridge
- Charger (UK BS 4573 plug)
- Hard travel case
- Cleaning brush
- User manual
Other models can include some more interesting stuff, like a charging PowerCase (first available with the 94xx) or a charge stand.
The ProComfort massage head is also bundled with some of the shavers, like the 9697CC variant in the USA.
The included cleaning cartridge is the new one, so it lacks the bottom bevel and the hammerhead design and the scent isn’t as strong as before.
There’s still no protective cap for the shaver, but at least the travel case offers enough protection.
It’s the standard hard textile case shipped with the previous Series 9.
Unfortunately the nicer leather case is apparently not available with this latest revision of the Series 9 PRO+.
Being a UK model, my shaver came with a UK charger with a BS 4573 plug (used for electric shavers and toothbrushes), so I had to use a basic adapter.
The charger itself is however fitted with an automatic voltage adapter (100–240v), so again you will only need a simple plug adapter, like the UK to Europlug I used.
This wouldn’t have been necessary at all had Braun fitted the shaver with a USB-C port.
Finally, I have to mention the packaging of the 96xx as I really liked Braun’s new approach.
The accessories are individually packed in cardboard boxes and there are labels with the SKU numbers in case you need to buy them separately in the future.
The previous Series 9 packaging was really bad, with a thin cardboard box where everything was more or less piled up inside.
The labels, packaging and the sturdy box are a small, but welcome improvement to the whole experience.
Build quality and ergonomics
The new Braun S9 PRO+ 96xx looks and feels extremely familiar.
In fact, when placed right next to the previous 95xx, you’d have a hard time telling them apart if it wasn’t for a few minor visual cues.
- The text on the new cassette now says S9 PRO+ on one side in printed black lettering instead of being embossed on both sides
- The thumb rest has a knurling-like pattern instead of oblique striations
- The S9 PRO+ text above the power button is recessed into the plastic
- There aren’t any gold accents and the silver trim at the bottom is matte instead of glossy
- The icons on the display are slightly different and more colorful, but the shaver will need to be switched on to reveal them.
These are all subtle changes and I think we can all agree that the new 2025 Series 9 PRO+ is based entirely on the previous one.
And the clearest indication of that comes from the shaver’s Type: 5793, same as the previous 95xx, but also 94xx and 93xx generations.
Side note: with Braun shavers, a Type refers to a classification that includes very similar shavers. They are built on the same chassis if you’d like and only several components can be different among them.
Fun fact: the shaver’s Type is printed underneath the hair trimmer, and sliding it out will reveal the text.
Getting back to the S9 PRO+ 96xx, the big change is of course the new cassette and the other one is actually under the hood, the new beard density sensor.
Everything else has been carried over from the previous 95xx generation, which was in turn almost identical to the even older 94xx.
It comes as no surprise that the build quality, ergonomics, balance, weight (207 grams/7.3oz) and so on are the same.
Compared to the other flagship shavers from the competition (Panasonic Arc 6, Philips S9000 Prestige/i9000 Prestige Ultra), the Series 9 always looked and felt a bit underwhelming.
There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just that you’d expect more from a shaver in this price category.
The plastic of the Braun feels the most plasticky, nothing seems over-engineered (like for example the Arc 6’s shaving head and multi-purpose switch), and the LED display is quite rudimentary.
That said, the basic things work well. In fact, some of them work really well.
For example, the front-to-back flexing of the head is still my favorite on any foil shaver.
Simple, effective and actually useful.
The same can be said about the locking switch.
It allows you to lock the head into one of five positions when you need more precision, like shaving right below the nose.
If you force the head when it’s locked, the mechanism will not break and the head will simply snap into the next position.
The power button seems to be unchanged, so it has a very short travel and it’s very clicky.
It also means there is a possibility it will fall out if you repeatedly press it too hard — a quirk that dates back to the OG Series 9.
Fortunately, it’s very easy to replace it with a new one should that happen.
The power button doubles as a travel lock, and you can activate it by pressing and holding for a few seconds.
The hair trimmer is the same from the 95xx generation, so it has the straight and not the curved edge.
It’s still not my favorite, in fact, I don’t like it at all, but I’ll talk about that in detail in the performance section of the review.
On the bottom of the shaver, we have the ubiquitous Braun two-prong charging port, no USB-C in sight.
The new LED Display: a mixed bag
The LED display of the 96xx has a few new icons for things like the state of the shaving head and cleaning reminder.
The backlighting and sharpness have been improved and everything looks a bit crisper now.
But an odd change to the display of the new S9 PRO+ is that it will only show 4 segments instead of 5 for the shaving head status.
In the image below, both heads are at 100%, meaning brand new and sharp.
So the info being shown isn’t as granular as before because each bar now represents 25% instead of 20%.
The change is clearly related to a lack of physical space on the display, as the new icons take up more real estate.
Designing a completely new display would have been too expensive, so this was probably the easiest and least costly workaround.
Fortunately, the battery level indicator still shows five segments, with the last one being in the form of a battery icon.
The second downgrade to the display of the latest S9 PRO+ is that it will not show a digit anymore when the battery is almost depleted.
Older models would show a 9 for 9 minutes of remaining shave time, then count down to 0.
Here it is on my older Series 9 Pro (94xx).
That feature is now gone and again I think it’s related to the repositioning of the new icons.
Also, when you turn on the S9 PRO+ 96xx, it will briefly show a new purple icon that represents the beard density sensor.
It doesn’t have any functional purpose since the sensor is active permanently and cannot be deactivated.
When you switch the shaver off, it will first show the battery level, then the shaving head status, and, if that’s the case, a cleaning reminder (for the cc models).
The shaving head status always causes some confusion because the depiction of it is still not the best.
The image below essentially means that the cassette of my shaver is in top shape, as there are 4 segments shown (100% health):
As you continue using the shaver, the segments will turn off one by one.
The icon will turn yellow when there’s only one segment left and eventually red when there’s none left.
This should happen in theory after 18 months, but in real life, it depends a lot on how often you shave and how long your shaving sessions last.
It’s a time-based notification, so it’s not the most reliable or relevant — the shaver can’t actually assess how well the blades still cut.
And it’s the same for the cleaning reminder, it only looks at how long the shaver has been running since the last automatic cleaning.
It cannot determine if the shaving head is clean or dirty.
Takeaway
Strictly in terms of ergonomics, the S9 PRO+ scores just as highly as before.
It’s well balanced, the head is quite slim for a 4-blade shaver, it adapts to the face very efficiently, the rubber sleeve provides plenty of grip and the razor is overall very enjoyable to use.
That said, there are no significant improvements in build quality and ergonomics from the previous Series 9 PRO+ generation, and you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart with your eyes closed.
So in this particular regard, the latest S9 PRO+ 96xx is not the most exciting update.
Shaving performance
A new top-of-the-line Braun shaver always creates a lot of buzz in the community and I was just as eager to see if the updates actually make it better.
And in that regard, one particular aspect is of great interest to me and I think to most of us — the closeness.
Is it better than the previous S9 PRO+? What about other high-end shavers from Philips and Panasonic?
Let’s find out.
Closeness
When I first shaved dry with the 2025 S9 PRO+, one thing that immediately stood out to me was the sound it makes when the hairs are getting cut.
So I’m not talking about motor noise (which is exactly the same as before), but the noise it makes when the hairs are clipped.
It’s a crisper, louder sound that I’ve come to associate with shavers using thinner foils and very tight tolerances between the blades and foils.
For example, the Panasonic Arc 5 or the Andis ProFoil or the BabyLiss FX2.
Those are also some of the closest-shaving electric razors you can buy.
Braun clearly made some changes to the two foil elements of the new 96M cassette and I’m glad to report that the improvement is noticeable.
It’s the first Series 9 variation in 10 years that appears to actually cut the hair closer to the skin.
I did this test a few times when I would shave one side of my face with the 96xx PRO+ and the other half with a 95xx or 94xx (fitted with an almost new 94M cassette).
The 96xx side would feel slightly smoother to the touch and I also found myself needing to apply a bit less pressure to achieve a satisfactory result.
Now, is it a radical improvement? I’d say no, the 96xx is still closer to the 95xx/94xx than it is to the latest Panasonic Arc 6.
Current Series 9/Series 9 Pro/PRO+ owners who are not satisfied with the closeness may not find the 96xx upgrade to be worth it.
Moreover, just buying the new 96M cassette will provide most of the benefits of the 96xx shavers.
Assessing closeness is very difficult, especially when comparing very similar shavers and it’s also a highly subjective evaluation.
I take into account how smooth the skin feels right after I shave, how much effort I have to put in for a good result, and how much it takes for the stubble to grow and to have to shave again.
With the 93xx through 95xx Series 9, I would probably have to shave again the next day if I were very picky, as that sandpapery feel would be quite noticeable in the afternoon of the second day.
With the 96xx, while my face was a bit less rough, I would still need to shave the next day.
The Panasonic Arc 6/Arc 5, especially the latest Japan-exclusive iterations, would allow me to stretch it to the third day.
With these shavers, my skin would also feel smoother immediately after shaving vs the S9 PRO+ 96xx.
It’s important to note that this only happens for the areas with very thick and dense stubble — moustache and chin in my case.
On the cheeks and even on the neck, the S9 PRO+ 96xx actually gives me an equally close shave as the top Panasonic and Philips models.
I think most men will find the closeness of the 96xx S9 PRO+ very satisfactory.
And unless you have very coarse and thick stubble and you get that shadow soon after shaving, you’ll find the closeness rather excellent.
Using a good pre-shave like Speick or Tabac can help with that as well.
But for me, Panasonic is still the shaver to beat when it comes to closeness, with the latest generation of the Arc 6 being the best out there.
I’m a foil guy, so the closeness I get even when using a high-end rotary like the Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra probably isn’t that relevant.
But for most users, I’d say the S9 PRO+ 96xx will be at least as good as the Prestige Ultra at providing a close shave.
Seasoned, life-long rotary users will probably still get the best results with a rotary.
The takeaway is that the Braun S9 PRO+ 96xx does shave closer than before, but only thanks to the new cassette that you can easily use on your older S9/S9 Pro/S9 PRO+.
Comfort
With the new cassette using thinner foil blades for a closer shave, there was the risk of the comfort taking a hit.
Having tested the 96xx in variety of scenarios (longer and short stubble, wet or dry, pre-shave or no pre-shave), I can confirm that the comfort is still stellar.
The latest S9 PRO+ is a gentle, forgiving razor that still represents a top pick for users with sensitive skin.
While the shaving head did seem to get a bit warmer compared to the 92 and 94 cassettes, it wasn’t anything serious.
I never got any razor bumps or irritation, not even on the neck and I also managed to avoid any nicks.
When shaving a 4-day beard, less capable foil razors can snag some hairs, especially if you move the shaving head too fast.
Again the 96xx S9 PRO+ was a top performer in that regard and never pulled hairs.
One thing to note is that you must avoid moving the head sideways, as the wide gaps between the teeth of the two middle trimmers will cause them to pull some hairs instead of cutting them clean.
You should always go against the grain in a straight direction (perpendicular to the cutters).
The non-Pro 93xx Series 9, with the milder 92s/92M/92b cassette, is still a bit gentler though.
The differences are however minor and the 96xx with the 96M cassette will be perfectly suitable for men with irritation-prone skin.
The Series 9 PRO+ 96xx is thus one of the best shavers for sensitive skin, and probably the one that can now shave the closest without causing any major issues like bumps and razor burn.
Dealing with longer stubble
Apart from being a gentle and forgiving razor, the Series 9 has always performed impressively well on both short and longer beards.
Braun touts it can handle up to one week between shaves, and I think it can do it, especially if you go slower to avoid any skin pinching or hairs getting pulled.
I only tried it on a 4-day beard, as my face was itching like crazy and I couldn’t wait any longer.
The way it was able to cut even the flat-lying hairs with great efficiency and with fewer passes vs pretty much any other shaver came as no surprise to me.
The two cutters that do most of the heavy lifting in these situations have remained unchanged from the previous 94M cassette, which was also equally effective.
Even on my neck, where the hairs grow in all directions and stay flat on the skin, I didn’t have any major issues.
Again, I have to stress you should never move the head sideways, something that’s even more important if you haven’t shaved in a few days, as the hairs are longer and easier to get snagged.
This will happen with any foil shaver but it’s particularly a concern with the Series 9 (PRO+), which has two cutters with wide gaps that can easily pull longer hairs if you move it sideways.
The new Braun S9 PRO+ 96xx continues to be one of the best options for men who shave irregularly/less often, as it can easily deal with a 5-day beard.
Even though Braun says up to 7 days, I would not push it that far as the risk of nicks and hairs getting pulled will be greater.
The Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra probably still has the edge when it comes to shaving a one-week beard without pre-trimming it.
However, rotary shavers do have their own shortcomings and for most users the S9 PRO+ is generally the safer pick.
Panasonic is still nowhere near as good as Braun or Philips when shaving less often because even their top razors work optimally on short stubble.
Your shaving routine/frequency should definitely be factored in as well when choosing between these shavers.
Wet shaving
As we know, the new Series 9 PRO+ models are waterproof and cordless-only shavers, suitable for wet or dry operation.
Until this point, I’ve only covered the dry shaving performance, which is in fact how most men will be using this shaver.
It’s quick, practical, requires little to no preparation, and the results are easily good enough, especially with the use of a good pre-shave lotion.
But if you find the idea of wet shaving with an electric razor appealing, you can absolutely do that with your 96xx S9 PRO+.
The addition of shaving creams, gels, soaps or even shave oils can sometimes improve the performance of a shaver quite significantly.
But it will not only depend on the shaver in question, but on the user as well.
Things like how sensitive is your skin, how coarse is the hair and how satisfied you are with the dry shaving performance will matter as well.
Braun electric shavers, especially the ones in the Series 8 and 9 families, usually work great when used dry.
So the improvement probably won’t be massive in most cases.
But that’s not to say you shouldn’t give it a try.
In fact, I think you should, as the experience is one of the most enjoyable you’ll get with any shaver.
I tried the S9 PRO+ with my favorite shaving cream from Speick and also with the fantastic Jack Black Beard Lube and the shave was just sublime.
The comfort was one of the best I ever experienced from an electric razor.
You can of course use any shaving cream you prefer, but make sure you use a thin layer of well-hydrated lather.
I think the Beard Lube is particularly well-suited for electric shavers as it’s a non-foaming balm-like product, very easy to apply and very slick.
I got a closer shave on the areas with very thick stubble (chin, below the nose, neck) vs when I used my S9 PRO+ dry.
But I have to say that when used wet, the new cassette of the 96xx didn’t seem to be noticeably better than the 94M: both shave in my opinion exactly the same.
Not necessarily a bad thing, but it also means (again) that the latest Braun S9 PRO+ can’t match the Arc 5 and Arc 6.
Those Panasonic models are still the best when it comes to closeness, regardless if you’re shaving wet or dry — but especially wet.
During my tests, neither the S9 PRO+ 96xx nor the Prestige Ultra couldn’t quite match the closeness I get from Panasonic.
In conclusion, if you enjoy shaving wet with an electric razor, you will definitely love the S9 PRO+.
But you may end up sticking to a dry shave if the improvements aren’t worth the extra work.
That’s what I’ll be doing as I’m quite happy with the dry performance, especially considering how quickly I can complete my shave.
Hair trimmer
The 96xx generation comes with the same slide-out hair trimmer (aka ProTrimmer) from the previous 95xx models.
This means it features a straight edge, not the curved one on the 93xx and older Series 9.
In practice, the straight edge is a bit more effective, but it’s still in my opinion a mediocre hair trimmer, to put it lightly.
The position, the leverage you have, as well as the trimmer’s effectiveness and precision, are just not good enough.
It takes multiple passes to cut the hairs and I’m not entirely happy with the closeness.
Some users do find it good enough for occasional use and for trimming those stray, stubborn hairs.
I’m just not a fan of it and I often reach for one of my Panasonic shavers when I need a decent trimmer to take care of my sideburns.
The pop-up hair trimmer on the Panasonic is a lot better in every single way.
I would not however use any of them to pre-trim the entire beard, it will take a lot of time and will be difficult to cut the hairs at a consistent length.
If you need to do that regularly, consider buying a separate trimmer like the Philips Multigroom 7000 or 9000.
Using it as a head shaver
If you also shave your head, the new S9 PRO+ is one of the best options out there that can successfully do both.
It shaves the hairs on the scalp incredibly close and quickly and with great comfort.
The very conforming head, along with the improvement in closeness make the 96xx arguably the best foil shaver out there for both face and head.
If you don’t want to use a separate, dedicated head razor like the Philips Head Shaver Pro, a Braun S9 PRO+ would probably be the best option.
Noise during use
The latest Series 9 PRO+ makes a loud buzzing sound, amplified by the vibrations of the shaving head and the hairs getting clipped.
It’s not worse, but also not better than the previous S9 generations.
In fact, the sound app on my phone says the 96xx is about 2-3 decibels louder than my 95xx.
And that was my subjective impression even before checking the noise level with the sound app.
The Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra and S9000 Prestige are by far the quietest high-end shavers out there.
If you need a very quiet shaver, the S9 PRO+ is clearly not one and a rotary will be the only option.
Battery life and charging
The Braun Series 9 PRO+ 96xx comes with the same Li-ion battery as the 93xx, 94xx and 95xx.
There are no upgrades whatsoever in this area.
As such, the battery should provide up to 60 minutes of cordless use (the shaver will not work with the cord plugged in).
You can charge it via the charge stand or cleaning station or by plugging the cable directly into the shaver.
The included Braun adapter can take between 100–240v, so it will work anywhere in the world.
If you’ll be importing yours from abroad — like I did and bought mine from the UK — you will need a plug adapter that will fit in your local socket.
Luckily they are inexpensive and available at most department/electronic stores.
The battery life is solid and even though I never discharged mine completely, it can reach the claimed 60 minutes provided the blades are clean and lubricated.
There’s a 5-minute quick charge function as well if you’re caught off guard and the battery is completely empty.
A full charge will take less than one hour with the included adapter.
Battery life has always been solid with Braun shavers and the 96xx follows suit, even though there aren’t any improvements from the 95xx.
The only thing missing is again the USB-C charging, one of the most underrated features you can have on a modern shaver.
Once you’ve used one, you really don’t want to go back to using a dedicated wired charger.
Cleaning and maintenance
Automatic cleaning
A waterproof shaver that optionally comes with an automatic cleaning station should be easy to clean.
My review unit is the 9665cce, so it includes the so-called 6in1 SmartClean base that cleans, dries, lubricates and charges the shaver.
The station is essentially the same from the previous 93xx, 94xx and 95xx generations, so there’s nothing new about it.
Moreover, if you already own one of those, you can just buy a solo 96xx (no station) as it will be fully compatible with your station.
I have a few of them, but I specifically bought a cc 96xx just to see if there’s anything different with the station of this new generation (there isn’t).
As such, we have the usual three cleaning modes (Short, Normal, Intensive) and the station will select the most appropriate one.
It does that by assessing for how long the shaver has been used since the last automatic cleaning, so it can’t really know if the cassette is clean or dirty.
You will notice that the SmartClean station tends to select the Intensive setting even when the shaver has been used for one quick shave.
This has been a quirk with all Series 9 stations so far.
I don’t think it’s a big deal since the three cleaning modes are very similar in terms of effectiveness, economy (of cleaning fluid) and even duration.
To be more specific:
- Short: just over 1 minute
- Normal: 1 minute and 40 seconds
- Intensive: 2 minutes and 10 seconds
Setting up the cleaning station is very straightforward.
First, the included cartridge has a plastic seal that you must remove before inserting the cartridge into the station.
Make sure you hold on to that small cover and don’t throw it in the bin as we will need it again.
You would then open the station by pressing the button at the back and insert the cartridge from the back toward the front until it snaps in place.
Carefully close the station, making sure not to tilt it as the fluid will spill, and connect the cable.
And that’s it, the station is now ready to be used.
Once you finish shaving, you could just toss the shaver in it and start the cleaning.
However, I think it’s better to first remove the cassette and gently tap the plastic frame on the sink to remove some of the clipped hairs.
This way, they won’t end up in the cleaning cartridge.
You can also use a can of compressed air or even the included brush.
Do not, under any circumstances, use the brush on the outer foils and cutters, as they will get irreversibly damaged.
Put the cassette back on the shaver, make sure the locking switch is in the unlocked position (otherwise the shaver may not sit properly) and place it in the station with the front part facing you.
Important: If you shave wet, you should rinse off the foam/lather from the shaver and pat it dry with a towel before putting it in the station.
When placed correctly, you would hear a beep signaling that the two metal pins on the back of the shaver are aligned with the two metal tabs on the station.
The station will immediately start charging the shaver.
It will also select a cleaning mode, represented by one, two or three droplets.
These stand for a Short, Normal or an Intensive cleaning cycle, respectively.
To start, just press the button on the station. This will pause the charging and begin the cleaning process.
The motor will start to pump fluid from the cartridge into the cleaning well, and the shaver will be switched on and off.
It is a rather noisy process as the shaving head vibrates quite a lot inside the cleaning tub.
Once the cleaning is completed, the station will begin to dry the shaving head.
You will hear the whirring of a small fan that blows air through a few cutouts in the front part of the cleaning tub.
During the drying phase, the charging of the shaver is still paused and will automatically resume once it’s over.
That usually happens after around ~45 minutes.
Also, you can end the drying earlier yourself by pressing the station’s button if for some reason you don’t want it to continue.
Depending on the alcohol concentration (there are third-party solutions as well) and the humidity/temperature, the shaving head will not be perfectly dry.
It won’t be dripping wet (that usually signals a clogged station — here’s how to fix it), but may feel a bit damp or oily (perfectly normal).
Panasonic stations for example use both a fan and inductive heat and that combination is more effective.
However, Braun stations are more practical since you can remove the cartridge, put the cover back on (that’s why you shouldn’t throw it away) and store it until the next time.
This is solely to prevent cleaning fluid from evaporating, as it’s alcohol-based and it evaporates pretty quickly.
I also do it to clear some space on my countertop and to avoid knocking over the station.
You can clean the shaver automatically after every shave or less often; that’s totally up to you.
I think the second option is better because you’ll be saving cleaning fluid and the hygiene of the shaver will still be good.
For example, you can use the station once or twice a week and simply clean the shaver manually in the meantime.
This way you’ll get a few months of use from a refill.
And if you opt for a third-party solution like this one from Essential Values, your costs with the cleaning station will be minimal.
Let’s now see how to clean the S9 PRO+ manually.
Manual cleaning
The Braun station is nice to have, but you can always clean your shaver manually and that can be very effective as well.
The key thing is to do it after every shave to prevent dirt buildups inside the cassette.
Since the blades are integrated into the foil block and can’t be removed, the risk of clogging is higher if you don’t clean it regularly.
And the best way to do it is with water and (ideally) a bit of liquid hand soap.
Tip: if you shave wet (with shaving cream/gel), soap is a must to properly clean your Series 9 PRO+.
Here’s how to do it.
Once you finished your shave, turn the razor off, remove the cassette and give it a thorough rinse, inside out.
Wash the rest of the shaver, including the part behind the swinging head as it can harbor a lot of dirt and clipped hairs.
Put the cassette back on the shaver, pour a bit of liquid hand soap on the outside of the foils and while holding the shaver upright, switch it on.
The soap will lather and coat the blades and you can even add a bit more water if needed.
Gently spread it with your finger to cover the entire surface of the foils.
Running the shaver this way for 15 to 20 seconds will be enough.
With the razor still switched on, wash off the soap with tap water.
Turn it off, remove the cassette, and give everything one final, thorough rinse.
Gently pat the cassette and shaver dry with a towel and let them air dry completely (with the cassette removed).
That’s it — it may sound like a lot, but in reality, it takes around one minute to properly clean your S9 PRO+ manually.
Also, if you shave dry, you can sometimes skip the soap part and only rinse the shaving head (while the shaver is running) with water.
Soap+water is however ideal and I’ve never had any issues cleaning my Series 9 shavers this way for years.
Lubrication
The cleaning fluid also has lubricating properties, so if you use your Braun station regularly, there’s no need for additional lubrication.
If however you only clean the shaver manually, and especially if you use soap, then a lubricating oil or spray for shavers/clipper is highly recommended.
For oils, I recommend clipper oil, which is essentially a highly refined, very thin mineral oil.
The clipper oils from Wahl, Syprin or Oster (Blade Lube) work great, are inexpensive, and readily available.
With the cassette clean and dry, place a single drop on the outside of each of the four cutters, then let the shaver run for around 5 seconds.
Gently wipe the excess with a paper towel and you’re all set.
Alternatively, you can use a lubricating spray for shavers/clippers.
For example, the Andis CoolCare Plus works great and the can lasts forever.
There’s also a spray from Braun, but the canister is a lot smaller and it’s not as convenient as the Andis.
I think sprays work even better than oil, but make sure you let the product evaporate before using the shaver.
The cassette should be clean and dry before spraying the cutters, so don’t do it immediately after washing the shaver.
Lubricating the blades one to twice a week should suffice in most cases. Again if you use the cleaning station, there’s no need to do it.
With foil shavers, lubrication is particularly important as there’s significant friction between the fast-moving blades and the foils.
Without lubrication, this causes wear, generates heat and will affect the quality of your shave and the longevity of the cassette.
Replacement parts availability
The Braun Series 9 PRO+ 96xx generation comes with a new 96M cassette that is already available for purchase (in the UK).
Braun 96M replacement head
It should become available in the USA as well, starting in March 2026, according to Braun.
The 96M is slightly more expensive than the older 94M and 92s/92M/92b heads, but I think it’s worth buying.
And there’s a good chance the price will go down in time, just like it happened with the previous ones.
You can of course buy the older cassettes if you can find a great deal, they will fit the 96xx shavers perfectly.
That’s actually a great alternative if the price difference between the cassettes is significant.
Braun still recommends replacing the 96M every 18 months but again I think the cutting performance of your S9 PRO+ should dictate when it’s time for a new head.
Things like the coarseness and density of the stubble, your shaving frequency, how you take care of the shaver (cleaning, lubrication) will impact the lifespan of the blades.
Tip: To reset the head replacement notification, you must press and hold the power button for 9 seconds.
Fun fact: The orientation of the cassette doesn’t matter, at least not according to Braun.
I usually shave with the gold trimmer closer to the front of the razor (red arrow), but you can try it both ways and see if you notice any improvement.
Current Series 9 PRO/PRO+ owners: Should you upgrade?
This is a perfectly legitimate question if you already have an older Series 9 or maybe you recently bought a 95xx and you wish you had waited a bit more to get the latest 96xx.
In my opinion, you’re not missing out on much.
In fact, most of the tangible improvements that come with the S9 PRO+ 96xx are attributed to the new cassette.
And as we know, it is backward compatible.
So if you already have a Series 9 PRO (94xx) or PRO+ (95xx) or even a 93xx, you should upgrade just the shaving head when the new 96M becomes available.
Buying the whole shaver (provided yours is still in good shape) just doesn’t make sense as the other changes/improvements are minor.
The motor, battery, flexing/locking mechanism, trimmer, build quality and cleaning station are the same.
There’s a new beard density sensor that looks like a major improvement in theory, but I couldn’t notice anything different/better about it vs my older S9 shavers.
Takeaway — Should you buy the Series 9 PRO+ 96xx?
Having used Braun’s latest flagship shaver for the past few weeks, I can say that it is the best iteration of the Series 9 family yet.
It shaves effortlessly, it’s very enjoyable to use and provided you have the budget for it, there are few cases where it wouldn’t be a great pick.
Braun Series 9 PRO+ (96xx)
The performance on short and long/flat-lying hairs is impressive and the comfort is still one of the best out there.
However, all these things are also true in the case of the older 95xx/94xx that cost less and are readily available.
And as we know, the new 96M cassette that shaves a bit closer and more effectively will work on those shavers as well.
So while a complete upgrade is not justified if you already have a solid Series 9, you should definitely consider the 96xx if you’re in need of a high-end foil shaver.
It’s probably the best all-rounder and if you can buy one for not a lot more than a 94xx or 95xx, I think you will love it.
I certainly do and it will probably become my new daily pick (for dry shaving) as it’s the quickest, most effective and most enjoyable shaver out there right now — for me, at least.
Even though the latest Arc 6 still shaves closer, the S9 PRO+ is a lot more effective with the flat-lying hairs on my neck and I’m able to finish my shave faster, especially after a few days of beard growth.
I find the closeness perfectly adequate and again I think most users will do too.
The latest Arc 6 + shaving cream however remains the absolute champion when it comes to closeness.
But considering how effortless, quick, easy to use and effective the S9 PRO+ is (during a dry shave), for many users it just might be a better pick.
Let’s now take a quick look at a few other options.
(Better) alternatives
1. The older Series 9, 9 PRO and PRO+
As hinted throughout the review, the older Series 9 variations you can buy right now (for less money) represent great alternatives.
I am of course referring to the 95xx, 94xx and even the non-Pro 93xx.
Braun Series 9 PRO 9465cc
If you can buy one for less than what you’d pay for a 96xx, provided it comes with the accessories you want (like the cleaning station or power case), I think you should do it.
Later on you can upgrade the shaving head to the latest 96M and essentially get an almost identical shaver in terms of performance.
2. Panasonic Arc 6
The flagship model from Panasonic, the Arc 6 (aka Lamdash Pro 6), especially the latest 2024 revision, is in my experience still the benchmark when it comes to closeness and sheer power.
While it’s not nearly as effective with difficult hair (longer, flat-lying, with different grain) as the Braun S9 PRO+, if you shave often (daily/every other day), it’s probably the best out there right now.
It can deliver an incredibly close and comfortable shave, especially if you also use a good shaving cream (Speick or Jack Black Beard Lube).
The 2024 revision (still the most recent one, even in 2026) is difficult to source, being only available in Japan and Australia at the moment.
But the global version (ES-LS8A, ES-LS9A) is almost as good and the new foil head of the Japan model (called ES9610) is backward compatible.
I do think the Japanese model is the pinnacle of Panasonic shavers right now, and some variations also include a USB-C port.
But as I mentioned earlier, I would mainly recommend it as an alternative to the S9 PRO+ 96xx if you’ll be shaving often.
Otherwise the large head and the need to do extra passes to get the flat-lying hairs will affect the experience.
3. Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra
The new Philips flagship is a great alternative for users who need a very quiet electric shaver that deals well with both short and longer stubble.
That said, a rotary is not usually my default recommendation. A foil shaver is more likely to work well for a variety of users.
Fortunately you can return a Philips razor for a full refund (you will need to check that with the local store) if you’re not happy with it.
That concludes my review of the 2025 Braun Series 9 PRO+ (96xx model names).
If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience with this new shaver, make sure to leave a comment below.
Brilliant Ovidiu, thanks again, for such a comprehensive review. I have my 96 model waiting for me already, I’ve not used it yet but will come back and let you know !!
Hey Mark,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
That’s awesome, I hope you’ll like the new shaver and I’m looking forward to your thoughts on it when you have the time.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, so I’ve used the new 96 a few times now and must say I’m
Not overwhelmed.
Firstly I’d say the unit is slightly lighter to hold than my 94 model? It’s more comfortable anyway and the trimmer is much much better.
As for that nothing changes.
The new 96 foil, again we are talking minor improvements m, still needs a few passes over problem areas like the neck. The overall shave i’d agree is slightly closer but nothing of note.
After two years with the 94 model I was due a change, the 96 is by no means an improvement albeit “perhaps” slightly closer. Trimmer for me is better but sadly a bit of an anti climax lol!!
Hi Mark,
Many thanks for the follow-up.
The weight of the new shaver is pretty much identical to the previous 94 and 95 generations. I even weighted the shavers myself just to be sure. Only the old 92xx and 90xx are about 10 grams heavier.
The improvements coming from a Series 9 Pro (94) in good condition will feel overall minor as the closeness is the only part that is slightly better; the effectiveness, as in how many passes it takes to shave a certain area, is however the same.
Your 94 shaver has the curved blade trimmer which was pretty bad; I actually don’t like the one on the 95 and 96 either, but it is a bit better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks again Ovidiu for a great review and the heads-up email! 96M inbound from the UK since the shaver isn’t available yet in the US, but it sounds like that is the most substantial difference. The current Pro + isn’t my go-to for electrics (default to the Arc 6), but it has the best cleaning system IMO, and is better for a quick trim without soap, and I alternate between blade and electric. Looking forward to trying!
Hey Allan,
Thank you for the comment — spot on as usual. I think that’s probably the best option for Pro/RPO+ users.
I appreciate the Series 9 for precisely that reason, it gives me the quickest and the most effortless dry shave with excellent comfort and very good (though not class-leading) closeness. The cleaning station, even with all the quirks and the obvious downsides vs a Panasonic system (no induction heating, can’t dry the shaver without a cleaning cycle, feels and looks flimsy), is still the most practical.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Curious the tangible upgrade to this compared to a Series 7 with a new (upgraded) cutting block.
I offer the question, having purchased the latest Norelco offering, but discovered a new block on the old Braun Series 7 is actually superior. Opted for a different approach but now realize the different approach is not necessarily better.
Braun offers great items, but if you’re not chasing the newest offering it seems the “old” tech Series 7 (with a modern cutting block) is still quite solid, battery life on an older shaver being a determining factor…
Hi Allen,
Thank you for the comment.
Having used a Series 7 myself for many years, I think the Series 9 will generally feel like a noticeable upgrade if you shave less often and/or the hairs stay flat on the skin and have different grain. And this latest Series 9 96xx generation only shaves a bit closer than the previous Series 9 revisions, so the same thing is still true.
If you’re happy with how your Series 7 performs within your current routine (frequency of shaving, wet or dry etc.), there’s a good chance a Series 9 PRO+ won’t feel like a substantial upgrade. I would hold on to the Series 7 for as long as I can find genuine replacement heads and the battery holds a decent charge.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great review, Ovidiu, as always, bravo ! Still no Series 10, not sure what Braun is thinking and doing. Cheers.
Hi Vasyl,
Thank you so much for the comment. That is true, I was completely caught off guard as I honestly didn’t expect the new Braun top-of-the-line shaver to be yet another Series 9 PRO+.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu, a timely review. After not being satisfied with my Philips 9985 that I have had for the last year and a half. I had tried, to no avail, to buy the latest Prestige Ultra head from them but they wouldn’t sell it to me.
Anyway, I ran across a great deal for a Braun shaver at my local Costco.
They had a Braun Series 9 Sport+ (9350cc) shaver on sale for a very low price. Several years ago I had an earlier version of the Braun Sport shaver but this new one (+) is much better. It is black with gold trim. It is much quieter, more comfortable, in the dry mode, and shaves closer than any shaver I have had. It has the newest switch to lock or unlock the head. It also came with the power case with its own battery that will charge the shaver while you are traveling so no need to bring a charging cable. It also has an updated clean and charge module that is much better than the older version as it has a fan to dry the shaver after it has been cleaned. On top of that, by registering with Braun, I got a 5 year warranty.
Now I only have to figure out what to do with my old Philips and Panasonic Arc 3 (ES-LL41-K) shavers.
Hi Mike,
Awesome, glad you finally found a shaver that gives you a great shave. The 9350cc usually offers excellent value for money and considering the (almost identical) performance of all Series 9 variations (including the Pro models), it was probably the one to buy. It’s a shame the Sport+ models aren’t available globally.
In the future you’ll also be able to buy the 96M head, and by that time it should be easy to source and the price should go down as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Once again, thanks a lot for this detailed review. So, just to be clear, is the Costco Sport+ version (model # 80793237) the same as S9 Pro+ that we see on Amazon?
Warmly,
Siva.
Hi Siva,
Thank you for the kind comment, much appreciated. That particular Sport+ model is the same as the Series 9 Pro (94xx) sold elsewhere, not PRO+ (95xx, 96xx). The PRO+ has a slightly better slide-out trimmer than the Pro, that’s pretty much the only real advantage.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hmmm noise louder on this you say? , i thought my 93 series was noisy maybe mine is worn after after 8 years and shave every other day ? Maybe i rethink , philips quiet but no pop up trimmer on latest model, im not wanting to keep clicking trimmer on and off, maybe try braun and return if noise is louder.
Hi Ian,
Compared to an almost new 95 PRO+, it is a bit noisier, around 2-3 decibels, so not a lot. But yours is almost certainly louder after 8 years of use, generally shavers become noisier and rattle/vibrate more as some bits and parts wear out or become looser.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Yes wear as set in now , you do wonder the direction they could go with on the next all new shaver, like would it be a big difference with foil and head design , its not changed a massive lot over the years , cutter block foil still doing same thing, i suppose its how that cut is delivered , movement of head , speed etc i use to like the old series 1 shaver big foil area but slow speed, i suppose would have been harsh shave having a fast motor on that large foil.
Those are some very interesting points, Ian. I think the changes will continue to be incremental, but improvements would still be possible, even without major design changes.
The single or double-foil shavers are usually the ones fitted with those wide foil elements (like the Series 1). But those shavers (that almost always have a fixed head) will normally cater to a specific need/nice. For example:
– compact travel shavers or very affordable models, usually fitted with small motors and a single foil because of size and/or costs constraints;
– single or double foil (full-size) shavers, featuring powerful motors, that are able to shave very close and are particularly well suited for professional use (barbershops). For example, the Andis ProFoil. But these are quite aggressive, can often irritate the skin, and only work well on very short stubble and the foils wear out quickly. These are ideal for cleaning up the top part of the cheeks close to the beard line or for blending a skin fade. So the use cases are quite limited.
The foil elements on the Braun Series 9 are a bit wider than the ones on Panasonic shavers for example, but still quite compact so that the head wouldn’t be very large. Apart from the two foils there are two cutters that make the Series 9 a lot more useful and versatile than a single (wide) foil shaver that can never be as effective with long and flat-lying hairs for example.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for an interesting and thorough reply .
Thank you so much for this review, Ovidiu!
I wasn’t really aware that Braun released yet another minor iteration of their Series 9 shavers. And I think at this point, it’s getting somewhat ridiculous: Instead of innovating and releasing a real successor, Braun is doing the bare-minimum. But at least they didn’t give the shaver a new name, like Series 9 Pro++ or Series 9 Pro+ Ultra. And it’s good to know that the new cassette is backwards compatible.
But still, it’s more or less the same Series 9, that was released 10 years ago.
Hi Nico,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
You are absolutely right. I was also convinced that the previous PRO+ would be the last one. No Ultra in the name + a compatible and improved cassette (though not dramatically) are the best parts about this release.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Dear Ovidiu
Thank you for all your reviews which are so helpful and informative! Following your recent Panasonic Review and and on your advice I purchased from Japan the new 9610 blades for my ES-LS9A! The result is superb and it gives me a really close and smooth shave.Thank you so much for your advice. I also have a Braun S9Pro and following on from your review today I have ordered the 96M cassette!
John,
Thank you so much for the comment, you’re very kind. Glad you’re enjoying your upgraded Arc 6 and I hope you’ll like the 96M cassette as well. It’s probably the best option for current S9 Pro and S9 PRO+ users.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
An exceptional and informative review, well done Ovidiu for packing in so much intensively detailed information. My current choice remains a Panasonic ES-LV95 (or LV65 will also do) and after 40 years I opted for using shaving cream for a faster and closer shave. My choice is NIVEA MEN Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Liquid Shaving Cream (200 ml), the one and only product I have ever put on an Amazon (UK) subscription! (B09P21V9RN). Keep up the excellent work.
Hi Alan,
Thank you so much for the comment, you are too kind.
The LV95/LV65 is simply fantastic with the right shaving cream. Speaking of which, I am yet to try the Nivea liquid cream, but will definitely do that soon. Seems to pair great with electric shavers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for another brilliant and thorough review. I mentioned to you previously that I was having premature shutoff problems with my Braun 9376. Recently it is shutting off at exactly 8 minutes of use. I remember you said your brother also had shutoff issues.
This is the second 9376 I’ve had with the same problem. The first one I sent to Toronto for service, but it wasn’t fixed. Braun told me to send it there again, otherwise they couldn’t help me. I thought why bother, bought the second one, same problem. Also, I get only three 8 minute shaves before the charge is out. So that’s 24 minutes vs the suggested 60 minutes. The shaver head also gets quite hot.
ChatGPT reports many users having this problem. Braun must be aware of the issue but it seems they don’t want to acknowledge it. I would be more inclined to buy another Braun if they acknowledged the problem and announced that it had been fixed in a new model. Otherwise, I think my next splurge will be the Panasonic.
How has your experience been with the Brauns Ovidiu? I hope the new one isn’t having this problem!
Cheers, Jack
Hi Jack,
Thank you for the comment and feedback, much appreciated.
The most common Series 9 issue is probably the power button falling out. The problem you’ve encountered with both your shavers is among the less common ones. When putting these issues into context, which is Braun selling low to mid-single-digit millions of Series 9 units globally in a single year, the percentage of troublesome units remains low.
I think it might be more prevalent with the older generations, maybe because of an outsourced part used on some particular models (this is pure speculation on my part). During COVID lockdown, with lots of supply chain shortages, all manufactures scrambled to find parts, so again this could the reason for experiencing the same issue with the exact same model.
I have multiple Series 9 shavers from all the different generations and so far I’ve been very lucky, basically 0 issues apart from the normal wear on the oldest models.
The cassette of the first Series 9 generation (90xx) also had a structural problem that was never acknowledged and was simply fixed with the next 92xx generation and a new manufacturer for the cassette.
The head getting warm is however only related to the cassette, nothing to do with the model of the shaver or the shutting off problem. Most of the time it can be managed by lubricating the blades with some clipper oil or clipper/shaver spray.
I think it’s very unlikely you’ll get a defective shaver if you opt for one of the newer 94xx, 95xx or even the 96xx models, but the reluctance to buy another Braun is totally understandable in this case. Panasonic is a great alternative especially if you shave often and the stubble grows relatively straight.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu. I may wait for the Braun 10 series. Meanwhile I’ll have to shave faster to get it all done within my 8 minute window!
Cheers, Jack
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you for all your reviews and shaver comparisons. I purchased a Braun S9 Pro at the end of February, 2024 (on sale at Amazon). It was through your postings that made my decision much easier! So after using the shaver for one year and five months I can agree it is fantastic. Like many guys, my skin is too sensitive for blades and Barbasol – and have used many different shavers over the many years. Never cared for Remington; Philips Norelco never gave me a close shave; used various Panasonic models but got tired of trying to find replacement blades for an older model. All in all the Braun S9 Pro has been the best shaver I’ve owned. The only downside is if I haven’t shaved for three or four days it does tend to pull whiskers.
I do have a question, have you ever considered doing a review on the Braun Series 9 replacement heads? If you look Amazon will have the replacement heads with various prices and vendors – are they legit or off brands? $69.99, $51.99, $50.47, $31.99, $29.99, $29.88 and so on (even Braun will have more than one price). It gets very confusing. Maybe next time I’ll purchase one of the new S9 PRO+ (2025 Model) heads.
Many thanks!
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for the comment.
Sometimes the S9 cassettes will pull hairs when they’re (partially) worn out; if that happens with a new cassette, try moving the head a bit slower, keeping the skin stretched and making sure the head stays flat on the skin and doesn’t move sideways.
Thank you also for the suggestion regarding the replacement head reviews. I have actually thought about it, but I only recommend buying the OEM Braun heads, as opposed to third-party compatible parts. A few years ago I did test some of the very affordable compatible parts for a few Philips and Braun shavers, and the performance was very disappointing. The blades either go blunt quickly (after initially cutting quite well) or they’re plain bad from the start. So even if the much lower cost may seem appealing, I don’t think it’s worth it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank You for the review. This is sad. I was expecting Series 10, or USB-C Series 9. Braun does’t seems to want to compete. Especially when USB-C is used there should no longer be any difference to models around the world. It could be one model everywhere. ( Which is still not happening due to various reasons but at least doable )
It is so close to perfection, especially for sensitive skin people. My old Series 8 is showing its age and I am hoping to jump to either new Series 9 / 10 or Arc 6 soon.
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
I totally understand the disappointment and I felt more or less the same about this revision. I am still hopeful that the switch to USB-C will come sooner than later for all major brands. The Arc 6 (2024 generation) does feature USB-C on several models and it’s a great alternative to the Series 9 especially if you shave more often.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The well-known Chinese marketplace sells cables and adapters for Braun razors with USB-C and USB-A interfaces, which have a voltage converter from 5v to 12v inside. I ordered one for myself, for the USB-C connector. It looks like a USB flash drive. Its cost was about $ 10
Hi do you think we will see led pressure sensors on foil shavers ? Also fun fact many years ago one of my braun shavers came with a small folding mirror which i still have , you dont get that now .
Hi Ian,
I think it’s definitely something that can be implemented, especially for shavers that already have a complex flexing head like the Panasonic Arc 5 and Arc 6. Since these heads can move vertically when you press them, a pressure sensor or transducer could be further integrated into such a system. I don’t know however if it would make sense financially for them to actually do it.
The Braun with the folding mirror sounds so intriguing, definitely a useful and quirky feature. Must have been a very old/vintage model.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi yeh it was only a seperate accessory that came with shaver , it folded so u could stand it in front of u , think shaver was late 80s , still got case that shaver and mirror fitted in .
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you very much for the detailed review. Very clear and usefull.
Thank you,
Filip
Hey Filip,
You’re very kind, thank you for the comment. Glad the review was useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
Thank you for another great review. You are the best reviewer out there.
I see that the cleaning and charge station of the 2025 Series 9 PRO+ shaver uses different cleaning cartridges than the previous ones. Will the older cartridges fit in the cleaning station?
Best regards
Jean-Guy
Hi Jean-Guy,
Thank you so much for the comment, you’re very kind.
The answer is yes, absolutely, the old cartridges will fit perfectly. Likewise, the new cartridges are also compatible with the older Braun stations for the different series.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
From browsing i can see models braun flex integral 5314 had the pouch i have with a mirror as accessory possibly , i do remember getting a shaver later and it didnt have a mirror in anymore, ,cost cutting probably., also some models seemed to have mirror built in the lid on a harder material pouch/case , example 5584U, interesting seeing how desighs have changed.
First observations about the new 96M head on a 95XX S9 Pro+. As Ovidiu noted, the head is interchangeable on all S9 razors (at least on all of mine going back to the original 90XX, and the 92XX, 93XX, 94XX, and 95XX models subsequent). And visually identical externally to the 94M it replaces, except for the painted “S9 PRO+” on one side of the exterior, versus the embossed “Series 9 Pro” on the 94M on both sides. I mention that because perhaps it’s Braun’s suble way of pointing out the preferred orientation of the head – the “S9 Pro+” is only on the side closest to the gold-titanium “Hyperlift & Cut” trimmer, indicating that it goes facing the front of the razor. Perhaps. So perhaps the age-old “toilet paper-over or under” question is now metaphorically resolved for S9 shaver heads, but perhaps not. I’ve never noticed a substantial difference, but the toilet paper-under crowd – or the gold-trimmer-to-the-back crowd – may disagree.
In any case, I can state that the 96M head, for me, gave me a closer and more comfortable shave than the 94M. Not by a lot, but perceptibly and positively. To the point that it’s the best shave I’ve gotten from any Braun razor. Not as close as a Panasonic, but approaching it, and certainly close enough. That said, to be fair this is a brand new head compared to a – slightly – used 94M, but the 94M has had less than 20 shaves under its belt, and even new the 94M was slightly less smooth, and slightly less close. I would definitely recommend this as a replacement head for the 94M in older S9 Pro/Pro+ shavers when the shaver indicates a replacement (prices are equivalent), or for anyone who wanted to splurge and – even slightly – upgrade their shaving experience with any S9 with an earlier head before the replacement icon appears, without investing in a complete new shaver.
Thank you so much for the feedback, Allan. Although I do have a strong preference in the toilet paper-over or under debate, when it comes to the Series 9 cassette orientation, I also don’t think it matters much.
Another potential explanation for putting the text on one side of the foil frame would be cost savings. I don’t know the extent of it, but I’m guessing printing text on one side instead of embossing it on both would be simple and cheaper. I’m no expert, so I could be wrong.
Everything else you noticed about the 96M matches my experience with the new shaver entirely.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
> One of the serious flaws in the Braun Series 9 shaver is the plastic drive arm, which transfers motion from the motor to the shaving head. Over time, this component wears down, leading to intense vibrations in the shaving cassette and increased noise from the shaver.
Has this issue been resolved in the new version?
Hi Emad,
It’s still the same from what I know, no changes in that regard. The wear sets in very gradually though, but there can be exceptions. My guess is that some units have maybe small flaws in how that drivetrain is put together, even something slightly loose, and overtime, with the constant oscillations this exacerbates into the vibrations and noise and eventually the output of the motor isn’t converted efficiently into that reciprocating motion of the four pins. But in most cases this isn’t an issue even after many years of use (Braun probably sells a few million Series 9 in a single year). The power button falling out is a lot more common from what I’ve seen since the first Series 9 generation.
As a side note, Panasonic has a much tighter integration, the whole unit is more compact and the whole path between the motor and the blades is more direct, efficient and less prone wear/vibrations.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
They were supposed to be made of metal, like in the Braun Series 5, 6, and 7.
Hi Emad,
Do you happen to have a source for the info? I haven’t found anything that would indicate a change in that regard from the 95xx to the 96xx.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I used to think that the drivetrain in the Braun Series 5, 6, and 7 was made of metal, but I was wrong. However, it is made of plastic that is stronger than that of the Series 9.
Hi how much movement on a braun s9 , when i hold the complete shaver head and pull up and push down on mine i get about 5mm movement ? . I know should be some movement , also when i push the head away from me to lock at furthest position i have to slightly lift the shaver head to move it away from me. , iam thinking now shaver developed wear .
Hi Ian,
Just saw the clip you sent me, there is indeed some movement there that normally shouldn’t be; I was particularly interested in seeing the other one, when pulling up and pushing down on the head. It is a sign of wear, but if the shaver doesn’t rattle or vibrate excessively it should still be perfectly usable.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks yeh just a slight lift sometimes ,not all times when i want push the head away from me and then i can lock , yeh some wear now but still usable.
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for another amazingly detailed review. I wonder have they made any improvements to the power button. Mine fell out on my 9390 after two years and although it was covered by warranty, I had to mail it to the UK (no Braun service in Ireland) and after a few weeks, it fell out again! I haven’t bothered sending it back.
Hey Kieran,
Thank you so much, glad the info was useful.
I would need to take it out myself to be 100% sure, but I don’t think they changed the design of the button. My assumption is based on the fact that the Type of the 96xx models is still 5793 (same as your 9390). So it probably still has those tiny plastic thingies that can break and then the button falls out.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ordered this whilst on offer , got it for £250 with the charge case and cleaning unit. But , it’s sent my anxiety sky high over if I have made the right choice (I’m the same with everything ) between this and the i9000 prestige ultra . I like Philips which I have used in the past, but making the circular motion is what I struggle with. Hoping the Braun will give a clean shave . I have been using a double edge wet shave for the last few years , but always struggled with motivation to shave , etc. have just been diagnosed with ADHD so that explains that.
Also you mark the Braun down due to lack of USB, which I agree with as I really wanted that, but I can also see if being troublesome for lots of people as a lot of usb ports arnt powerful enough, but have you seen the adapters you can get so you can use USB ? I got one for my old Philips and it was a game changer .
Hey,
Thank you for the comment.
Switching from one type of shaver to another always comes with a degree of uncertainty and you can only really know how well it suits you when you actually try it. I hope you’ll like your new Braun, and you got a great deal for a 2025 S9 PRO+ with a nice kit.
One other noteworthy aspect is the noise — foil shavers are notoriously loud, and the the Braun Series 9 models are quite a bit louder than any Philips rotary.
The USB charging is a non-issue; I tried charging my USB Panasonic Arc 6 with basic, low power USB chargers and also 80w fast chargers and it takes the same time for a complete charge (~2 hours).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a question about wet shaving–specifically, the recommended consistency for the shaving cream. You advise that the goal is to have a watery consistency, and not a thick, foamy mass. The question is, how do you get a watery consistency? What are the specific steps you take to get that? Put the cream on your face and then splash with water? Seems like a silly question, I know.
Hi Brian,
That’s a great question, nothing silly about it.
I am referring to traditional shaving cream, the type that comes out of a squeeze tube, and you would simply put like an almond size dollop of product in your wet palm and start to vigorously rub your palms together, adding a bit more water if necessary until you get that pasty, non-foamy consistency something like this. You would then massage it into your wet stubble (prior to this you would wash your face with warm water), let it sit for a couple of minutes and then start shaving as usual. You may need again to add a bit of water as you shave to keep the lather hydrated.
An alternative that requires less work is a non-foaming shave balm like the Jack Black Beard Lube. After washing your face with warm water, you simply massage the balm into the beard and follow the above mentioned steps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
thank you for your detailed report on the Braun Series 9 Pro+ model 2025. I still have a few questions. Last year I bought the Braun Series 9 Pro+ model 9517s. After about eight months of use I came to the conclusion that the performance is abysmal for such an expensive product. I shaved every two days, and especially in the neck and chin area the result was, in my opinion, pretty poor. Hairs were still visible, and my neck did not feel really smooth but rather rough, even after I had spent almost seven minutes with the shaver over the neck and chin area. Even when I shaved daily, the result did not really improve and was therefore unsatisfactory.
During that time I looked up dozens of times how to improve the result and tried many tips, but without any real change. For about three months now I have been using a wet razor again and am very satisfied with the result. Even 24 hours after shaving my beard still looks almost like after a fresh shave with the Braun Series 9 Pro+.
I also cannot quite understand Braun’s advertising claim that the shaver can handle a seven-day beard. Of course everyone has different beard growth, but in practice the shaver will be completely overwhelmed for most people. In the advertisements, it looks like the shaver passes over each area only once and then every single hair is gone, leaving nothing behind. This creates the impression of a perfectly smooth result. In reality, however, it often leads to tugging and pulling, instead of the beard hairs being removed evenly and cleanly.
As mentioned, not everyone has the same strong beard growth. In many comments on various platforms you repeatedly read that some people are totally satisfied with an electric shaver. Still, it is not the perfect device for everyone.
My question now is how the closeness of the different Series 9 models has evolved. Ideally you could give, for each model 90xx to 96xx, the improvement in closeness, especially in the neck and chin area, in percent so it’s easier to imagine. I would also like to know how large the difference is, particularly regarding closeness in the neck and chin area, between the current Braun Series 9 Pro+ 96xx and the flagship models from Panasonic and Philips. Could you also provide a percentage for that?
As long as electric shavers cannot match the closeness of a wet shave in the neck and chin area, I will probably stick with wet shaving. For me personally, electric shavers are not real razors but rather good trimmers. This should not give the wrong impression. I am a fan of the technology and I find the shaving results very impressive. Unfortunately, however, the actual results I get differ far too much from what is shown in the advertisements, where the shaver appears to glide over each spot only once and leaves no visible hair at all, giving the unrealistic impression of a perfectly smooth shave.
Sincerely,
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for the insightful comment.
From what I can tell, the shaver clearly isn’t working as well as it should for you. I can’t recall from the previous comments if you’ve used other shavers prior to the S9 PRO+ with better results, that would be very interesting to know. Shaver commercials, and the way a shaver is able to provide a perfectly clean shave with a single pass, are just laughable. Those commercials have nothing to do with the reality of shaving and unintentionally promote bad technique. One would never shave with that continuous, long, swooping motion.
Shaving a 7-day beard with an electric razor, that uses either a foil or rotary cutting system (so not a trimmer with exposed shearing blades), is really pushing it to the limit. Like you said, this can only work if the beard growth is really slow. For most men, 4-5 days will be the maximum for a comfortable shave with a capable electric shaver.
The improvements in closeness throughout the Series 9 generations are, in short, subtle. Even when comparing a first generation Series 90xx to the 96xx, provided both have brand new cassettes, I think most users would agree that the latter is better, but not drastically better. That’s also because in most cases, the closeness (and overall performance) of the Series 9 is more than satisfactory. For example, my experience with all Series 9 revisions has been very positive, and while the Panasonic 5 and 6-blade models do shave closer, the Series 9 is definitely good enough, and also quicker during a typical dry shave. I’d say the 90xx–93xx are exactly the same, with a 5%+ improvement for the 94xx and 95xx and a 10%+ for the 96xx. Again, in my case the performance of the Series 9 has always been quite good, so the improvements could only be incremental. I also find that the 94xx through 96xx require a bit less work for a smooth finish, so my shave takes slightly less time.
My closeness ratings for the different Series 9 shavers and the other flagship shavers from Philips and Panasonic probably won’t match everyone’s experience. Closeness is also highly subjective and depends on many factors, from the type of facial hair to shaving technique. For example, I tend to shave wet with most Panasonic shavers and the closeness in that case is absolutely fantastic, similar to what I would get from a DE razor, but without the irritation. On the other hand, since I get along better with foil razors, the closeness I get from top-of-the-line Philips rotaries is not as good. But someone who prefers rotary shavers will most likely get a better result, so my take on the Panasonic and Philips closeness would not be very relevant.
But subjectively, I would rate the Panasonic 5 and 6-blades the highest (especially with shaving cream), followed by Braun Series 9/Pro/PRO+ and the series 9000 from Philips.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
Before I switched to an electric shaver, I used only a Gillette Mach 3 razor. I was not particularly satisfied back then because my skin was always irritated after shaving, and although I shaved every two days, the blade was no longer usable after a month. On top of that came the high prices for replacement cartridges. Unfortunately, that’s how Gillette’s business model works: a comparatively cheap entry point, but you get charged heavily for new blades.
The price itself wasn’t a problem because I could afford it, but for blades that cost at most 0.50 € to produce, I simply don’t see why I should pay six times that price. From time to time I saw ads for the Braun Series 9. They always claimed that the blades last a lifetime, that they easily handle 7-day stubble, and that it all sounded very promising. In the ads, the shaver was passed once over the skin and the 3- or 4-day stubble was completely gone.
After a bit of research I found out that not everything in the advertising was true. Nevertheless, I wanted to give it a try and bought the Series 9 Pro+. At first, I wasn’t satisfied with the result, but I wanted to give it some time because everywhere it said that you should allow the shaver up to four weeks to adapt to your skin. Even after that, in my view, the result was terrible for such an expensive product. Furthermore, I discovered that many people share my experience with electric shavers, including top models like the Braun Series 9 Pro+. After that, I searched for tips and tutorials on how to achieve a good electric shave and applied everything I learned. You know the rest of the story by now. After eight months, I realized that even the flagship model wasn’t any good, and I switched back to wet shaving.
Before that, I watched some tips and videos about wet shaving and noticed that I had been doing a lot wrong before. By applying those tips, the result was really good and skin irritation was almost non-existent. With my new wet razor, a replacement blade costs 0.67 €, and yet the result is great. In an independent test by a consumer organization in my country, the razor was even ranked second place, while first place went to the Gillette Labs, Gillette Fusion 5, and two other Wilkinson models, whose blades nevertheless cost a small fortune.
Until there is a noticeable innovation in electric shavers that approaches the closeness of a wet shave, I will therefore stick with wet shaving. For some people, electric shavers are already the better choice, but everyone has different beard growth. Personally, I would find it interesting if you wrote an article showing how to shave with an electric shaver properly. Ideally, you would also make a few videos showing yourself shaving with the top models from Braun, Panasonic, and Philips, because most people understand best through video.
I would personally be interested because then I would clearly know whether I had been doing something wrong or not. I still own the Braun Series 9 Pro+ for now, but I plan to list it on eBay soon, since with the release of the Braun Series 9 Pro+ 96xx, demand for the older model will drop.
Sincerely,
Thomas
Hey Thomas,
Those are really fair points, thank you for taking the time to share.
I think there are cases where a certain type of shaver/razor simply doesn’t work well enough and we should stick to what does. If I had been able to get a reasonably close and comfortable shave with a razor blade, I probably never would have switched to electric. And I’ve tried everything and still have a full arsenal of mild DE razors, blades of all sorts, brushes and hard soaps. A definite improvement over using cartridge razors and canned foam, but still not good enough.
Shaving technique might still be something preventing the Series 9 PRO+ from giving you a decent shave. It’s not a perfect shaver by any means, but the result should still be at least passable. I do have a shaving guide in the works, hope to publish it sooner than later. I thought about video content for the past few years, but I’m just awkward in front of a camera and I don’t think it’s a good fit for me. I will be trying though as I think it would be helpful to have a how-to video in addition to the written guide.
In the meantime you can check out this YouTube video, it’s from a guy called Tyler who used to make great video reviews some years ago. The video isn’t about how to shave, but he is using a Series 9 and his technique is on point and should help you see if there’s maybe something you need to tweak.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Not everyone has the same expectations when it comes to shaving, but for me personally, the Braun Series 9 Pro+ just wasn’t enough. Even 24 hours after a wet shave, the neck and chin area still look better shaved than right after a completely fresh shave with the Braun Series 9 Pro+.
I have looked up many tips and always put them into practice, but I think it simply comes down to the technology of electric shavers. They just don’t work equally well with every type of beard.
For me, a wet shave is currently better in almost every way compared to an electric shave. When I think about it, the irritation with an electric shaver was maybe slightly less. Still, my skin feels great after a wet shave. But as you said, everyone should use whatever works best for them.
I can totally understand that you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. However, if you ever decide to publish a shaver guide, I think a video would make a lot of sense. Personally, I found it much easier to follow tips from electric shaver guides when there was a video to go with them.
I will still watch the video you recommended, but for me personally, the topic of electric shavers is finished for now.
Kind regards,
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
Totally understand, and thank you again for the video content suggestion.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I can weigh in with my experience, because I alternate between blade shaving and electric, with almost every model starting with the earliest Remingtons, Brauns and Norelcos, as well as a small universe of bladed razors (straights excepted), including vintage Gillettes, Gibbs and others, early SE and cartridges, as well as a host of modern DE and SE razors adjustable and non-adjustable over more than 50 years. And some personal observations from my perspective only. The first is that no electric razor will match the closeness of a blade shave. Any blade. Any electric. Ever. That’s an unachievable expectation, commercials and advertisements notwithstanding. And I frequently use the same software and prep for an electric shave, like Ovidiu, as I do for a blade shave, which gets even closer, but not AS close as a blade.
The second observation is that almost any of the modern electrics – emphasizing the Big 3 of Braun, Panasonic and Philips – are capable of giving you a good, socially-acceptable, comfortable shave, with patience, the right technique, and the right pre-shave prep. “Good” maybe defined by the user, but “socially-acceptable” being the operant phrase.
The third observation, actually learned over many years, is that you don’t NEED a BBS shave from a blade or electric, anywhere. And that includes – personal experience – in the boardroom, the operating room or the opera. If anything requires you to be clean-shaven in a social situation (I include boot camp in the military), a DFS will do, always. Having said that, you may want the closest shave possible, just because, and only a blade will give you that. Many electrics will give you a close runner-up (looking at you Panasonic), but not as close. If you can live with that, an electric will almost always give you a quicker shave than a blade (even wet), requires little cleanup (particularly with automatic cleaning stations now), can be done with no water – don’t try that with a blade – or even a mirror, and is less likely to produce nicks or cuts from a speedy shave or poor technique.
My face, my take, and my personal experience only.
Insightful and on point as always, Allan. I don’t stress about getting the closest possible shave as much as I used to — it’s one of the reasons I use a Series 9 variation for most of the time — but I also take my time and treat myself to a nice wet shave with a Panasonic. My particular case is not the most relatable out there because the Panasonic closeness really is as good (if not better) than what I used to get back in the day. Being able to only do one pass with the grain using a mild DE razor and some touch ups across the grain (but only on the cheeks) didn’t really provide a stellar closeness. But a 5 or 6-blade Panasonic does, I really couldn’t be asking for more in that regard. And no nicks, razor burn or bumps either.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
Thank you for the detailed and informative review. I live in the US and I would like to know if you have any information when Braun starts to sell the new model.
Thank you again!
The Best, Zsolt Kovacs
Hi Zsolt,
Thank you so much for the comment. I’m afraid there’s still no info about a US release. I was expecting the new shavers to be already available by now. I will update the review if there’s any news.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I appreciate that. Thank you Ovidiu!
Hey Braun 9967 ordered i will let you know how it is!
9667 ! Model
Hi Ian,
That’s great, looking forward to your thoughts on it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
So, I gave in and bought the 9660cc model of the Braun Series 9 Pro+ a few weeks ago.
The model in black looks really nice, but I kinda miss the silver accents on the SmartClean station that the previous 95xxcc models had. They were just a small detail after all, but gave the station a more “elegant” look. But anyway…
Performance-wise, I didn’t notice any difference between the 9660, my old 95xxcc (I can’t recall the exact model number, but it is the one with the power case) and the first Braun Series 9.
Regarding the comfort and closeness:
For me, the new 9660cc ist more comfortable than the 95xx. The shaving head “glides” better over my skin than the old 94M shaving head. The shave is also a bit closer than with the 94M, but not by much and not as close as Panasonic.
However, I do prefer the 9660cc over my Panasonic ES-LS9A, because the shaving head is not as bulky, and shaving under the neck is easier, even though the Braun also sometimes misses longer hairs. And the overall shaving result of the 9660cc is just as good for me, and the closeness is only slightly behind Panasonic.
So yeah, I like the “new” Braun Series 9 Pro+, but at the same time, I wish Braun had developed a completely new shaver with major improvements, like a quieter motor or USB-C charging.
Hey Nico,
Many thanks for the detailed feedback.
I agree about the silver trim, it made the 95xx station just a bit classier.
The shaving head is more manageable than the 6-blade and even 5-blade Panasonic and easier to use below the jawline; it’s why I tend to grab a Series 9 for my every day shaving needs and only use a Panasonic for the occasional ultra close wet shave. A dry shave with the Series 9/Pro/PRO+ is easily good enough.
I agree about the USB-C, it’s a missed opportunity to one-up Panasonic, at least in the global market anyway. The Japanese Arc 5 and Arc 6 now offer USB-C charging and it’s so much more convenient.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu ,
So I bought two machines, yes, two because they were both good deals, and one will be a gift. I imported one, the 9670cc, from the UK.
Another, meanwhile, started selling here, the 9655cc. And that’s why I mention I have two, because for the review itself, it doesn’t matter, but the information I’ll provide might be useful: the 9655 comes with the SmartClean 5-in-1 (it´s the only one i believe ,all the others CC come with the 6 in 1), meaning without the programs. It doesn’t matter to me because I have other SmartCleans, and as Ovidiu says, the machine usually always selects the intensive program, so it doesn’t make much difference.
That said, I noticed some extra comfort in this new series, probably due to the new 96M cassette.
Otherwise, the machine is still excellent; I think in my case, I cut faster, which is great for those with sensitive skin, especially in the neck area.
I shave once a week, every other week to let my skin breathe, and otherwise I just trim. As I said, I notice more comfort and a little less time shaving.
The new display is nice, but nothing too major; both the Philips Ultra and the Panasonic 690U win hands down.
Regarding the battery, I can’t say for sure yet, as they’re very new. I’ve only used each Braun twice.
Finally, I’d like to thank Ovidiu once again for all the thoughtful information he’s provided, as it’s incredibly helpful for anyone seeking maximum performance and comfort when shaving.
Kind Regards
David
Hey David,
Thanks so much for the comment, you’re very kind. Great insights and very interesting info regarding the 9655cc — I will look more into it.
Enjoy shaving with your new Braun.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
For what it’s worth:
I’ve noticed that my Braun Series 9 PRO+ (I have the 9660cc model) usually uses the program with two water drops, so not the highest one.
My previous Braun models all used the highest cleaning program, no matter if I just shaved the day before or three days ago.
Hey guys, any word on a US release for these models? Thanks.
Hi Greg,
Unfortunately still no info regarding a USA launch.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the quick reply!
Hello, when using the braun with lab series pre shave do you need to wash/rinse the shaver head whilst shaving or just use the cleaning station at the end?
Hi Stuart,
No need to rinse it while shaving. In fact, I would advise against doing that as having a wet shaving head while you’re shaving dry can have a negative impact on your shave.
Alcohol pre-shaves like Lab Series will leave little no residue on the foils and the cleaning station will take care of that regardless.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the Brain pro 9+ razor and I’ve been using it for about a month now, but I’ve noticed is that it still leaves a little stubble the foils could get a little closer than that if it were pressed hard against my face. Is there any good shaver lube that would actually cut closer?
Hi Dave,
If there’s no discomfort and you don’t get any razor burn or bumps, you can press a bit harder for a closer shave.
Not exactly sure I understand what you mean by shaver lube that would cut closer. There are clipper oils you can use to lubricate the blades or cleaning & lubricating sprays for clippers and shavers. I think the latter works even better than the oils. The best one I’ve ever used is the Remington Shaver Saver. Unfortunately it’s been discontinued and is now really difficult to find. If you could still source one (maybe on eBay), it’s a fantastic product that can make a difference. If not, the next best thing would be the Andis CoolCare Plus spray.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
If you mean a pre-shave, there are several to try. Freelette is a lubricant and an aftershave, and works fairly well but expensive. Speick makes a pre-shave as well, even more expensive but effective. The old standby is Williams (Lectric Shave), and is also the cheapest (at least in the US). If you’re located in the US, I’ve found one of the best to be Old Ron’s Barber Co., mid-range price, but difficult or impossible to get outside the US because of restrictions shipping alcohol. I’ve found the pre-shaves don’t necessarily get any closer (than dry shaving), but are definitely more comfortable (for me).
Hi Ovidiu very good reportage.
I am doubting between braun serie 9 pro plus 9677cc and philips prestige ultra i9000.
I would like to choose the one that shaves closer and faster. I don’t want to have to spend 5 minutes walking over hair to cut it. I have delicate skin, and I would shave every two or three days.
Thank you very much for the recommendation.
Hi Carlos,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
In this case and especially if you’ve never used an electric shaver before, the S9 PRO+ should be the safer pick.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I live in the United States. If I replace my 95XX with a 96XX from UK or Germany, can I use my existing USA plug with the new shaver and cleaning system and just not use the one that is sent with the 96XX?
Hi Michael,
Yes, it will work just fine. Both chargers work with 100–240v and the only difference is the shape of the plug (EU, UK, USA etc).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
I’ve been using a Braun 9S. model 5793, for about 7 years. I got it at Costco. For the past year I’ve had trouble getting the clean and charge station to work. The shaver won’t sit firmly enough in the station, and when it starts to vibrate the shaver loses contact with the two metal contacts on the base, and the process turns off. For a while I could hold the shaver in place during cleaning, and then take my hand away when the drying begins, and the system would keep working into the charge cycle. Now that doesn’t work.
Thinking my problem was the base I bought a new one. Turns out I still have the same issue. Is my problem the shaver itself? I’m at my wits end.
(I wrote you an email about this, so sorry if you’re seeing this in your emails, as well as here.) I’m a subscriber to your newsletter.
Hi Chris,
I already replied to your email yesterday, but got a mail delivery notice immediately after. For some reason the Yahoo mail server doesn’t like my email setup and won’t let some of them through.
Can you tell if there’s proper contact between the two studs on the back of your shaver and the two plates on the station?
Also, the rubber sleeve on some older Series 9 shavers (the part around the two studs) starts to peel off and detaches from the shaver, so the studs don’t poke out as much and don’t make contact with the plates. Can you check if that’s the case? Sometimes even some grime around the two pins could cause something similar.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
There doesn’t appear to be proper contact between the shaver stubs and the plates. When I insert the shaver it doesn’t make contact with the plates, unlike when it was new.
Looking at the shaver, my feeling is the stubs don’t poke out that much. Perhaps that’s why I would have to hold the shaver to the plates. But as I said, that strategy doesn’t work anymore.
If the plates are also a bit more recessed, then holding the shaver would not work. The plates are essentially part of two springy metal strips, so you could try to bend them more toward the shaver so the plates would stick out more, but you would need to remove the outer case of the station. I have a guide on that here (Step 5). But I doubt this is the issue if it’s happening with the new station as well.
You can send me a few photos of the the stubs and plates via email, I’ll be happy to take a look — if possible from a different email so I can reply. :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I really believe my problem is the stubs, and the rubber sleeve. I can see the sleeve is not tightly sealed against the shaver body, plus if I press the sleeve down, the stubs project out more.
The shaver is about 6-7 years old. I’m going to buy a new one.
Thanks for helping me make a decision.
Hello, I glad to find this detailed review before buying the new 9610si
I own the model 9476cc of 2021.
I am between upgrading my model with the new Shaving Head 96M at 55euro or buy a brand new 9610si at around 300 euro. Apart from the new trimmer, is there any other real advantage of the new model? Thank you!
Hi Mike,
Thank you for the comment.
Not really — apart from the new 96M head (that you can also buy for your 9476cc) and a slightly better slide-out trimmer (carried over from the 95xx), no. So my suggestion would be to buy just the new cassette and hold on to your shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
In Russia, there are only two 6th generation models for sale: the Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9615s (a complete equivalent of the 9610s) and the Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9675cc (a complete equivalent of the 9677cc). I purchased the 9675cc to replace my 6-year-old classic Series 7, and I am very pleased with my choice. Thank you for your reviews!
Hey,
Thank you for the comment and info on the available models. Glad you’re enjoying your new S9 PRO+!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have discovered another model on our market, the Braun Series 9 Pro+ 6th generation, which has no direct analogues in your list of models. This is the Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9600s , Black (Matte) model. It has the most poor equipment, only a textile case and a charging adapter. And nothing else. There’s not even a charging stand included! This information is for updating your selection of models.
Thank you for the follow-up. The 9600s is also available locally here (Romania) and it’s clearly geared toward current Series 9/Pro/PRO+ owners who already have a charger/stand/cleaning station etc. and would rather pay less for the shaver alone. I will be adding these to a comparison table as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am currently using the 7897cc model and am considering upgrading to the 96xx model. Could you please advise if I can expect a significant improvement in performance with this upgrade? Any insights or benchmarks would be greatly appreciated.
I am considering two shaver options and would like your recommendation:
A : braun 96xx / $227
B : Panasonic L650U / AS impossible / no station / $253
Which option would you recommend?
Hi,
The 96xx will feel like a worthy upgrade to your current Series 7 if you generally shave less often and have lots of flat-lying hairs or that grow in different directions. I think that’s the main improvement the Series 9 brings over the old Series 7 — its effectiveness at catching difficult hairs. It still works great for daily use, but it may not seem such a big step up in that case.
The L650U can cut the hairs closer than both the 96xx and the 7897cc, however, it will be ideal for shaving short coarse stubble that grows relatively straight. When trying to shave difficult hair after a few days of growth, the 96xx will definitely have an advantage.
I find the hair trimmer on the Panasonic vastly superior to the one on the 96xx.
Both shavers are very comfortable and quite similar in that regard.
So the choice basically comes down to the particularities of your beard and some of the other shaver-specific pros and cons that matter to you (trimmer, USB-C charging, cleaning station, closeness etc.).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
FYI – The Series 9 – 9600 Models and the 96M Shaver Head are now available in Northern America on Amazon.
Hey,
Thank you for the comment. I updated the review with the USA shaver models. As for the shaving head, it seems that for a limited time you may receive either the 94M or 96M, so I will add it as soon as the 96M is readily available.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I do not see the 96m head available, can you post a link?
https://www.amazon.com/Braun-94M-Shaver-Head/dp/B09WGWWYGH/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1UG26W5IGBD7P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wiOY_tvCOc1UKkOZtkxgbSvv3qErp5jO_t2a1cNrvH1pczvD7fhzWjIi3kg4odrNu_4CSBXvn2OOk376XKOi7nH0NQb5LCrCTQGCgymm3SWjHtV9hEUfP2gFwUMIuDhSoKjL7LwS3lvFesgC1WkWNnHp70J2LR21XXS-OmMf2rvwsyodgW2ZK4xSN2tEGwGaJi1hFIDZ4tioaaILgDf3_YvLzPiuD6PAU6K-k374gXPz1AUNNHZVOmAyPIPOzAfWHZIXx5QIdQPw681_7xUjUsmZlWa0XqAGM4Djyl1Vqao.4GeJ7_x-3PTyictczkYS6Orf76bGqMvdSv9UhtCcdWY&dib_tag=se&keywords=braun%2Bm96&qid=1763066057&sprefix=braun%2Bm96%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-6&th=1
Thanks, but in the description it is 94M, not 96M. Strange since the picture shows Pro+.
You’re right – see my revised comment
Let me revise my earlier comment:
Ordered the 96M shaver head on amazon; received the 94M.
Apparently you can receive either of the two for the time being (it is mentioned on one of the product images). My guess is that the 94M will be gradually phased out by Braun and the 96M will probably be the officially recommended cassette for all Series 9 variations, including the non-Pro 93xx.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, I just ordered a Braun 9667cc in the Czech Republic for 256EUR and I’m looking forward to it! I’ve been using a Braun 71-S1000s for 2 years now and I wanted something better. I’ve read a lot of articles and reviews on your site, they’re absolutely amazing, thanks for them! Take care, greetings.
Hey,
Thank you so much for the kind comment. That’s a great deal and the new shaver should be a nice upgrade. Enjoy shaving with your new S9 PRO+!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just bought a 9610si on Amazon — at least I think I did. Only the label on the box indicated that it was this model. I realize this model comes with minimal packages, but because of that there’s not even a photo on the box to compare with. So I guess I just have to trust no one switched the shaver in the box and perhaps rely on photos posted on the web.I wanted to be sure the correct model was shipped before using it but there are no markings on the shaver that identify it other than the “type 5793” under the trimmer, but that’s not specific to this model. For all these reasons all the details you provide on your site are quite valuable, not to mention how they help when making a purchase choice, learning about cleaning, lubricating, etc.. Thanks for all that work.
Hi Tony,
Thank you for the comment. The Type 5793 is indeed a very broad one. The most reliable way to visually confirm that your shaver is indeed part of the 96xx series is the thumb rest: if your shaver has the one with these small bumps, you definitely got the right model. A few other clues:
– the S9 PRO+ is printed in black lettering on one side of the head instead of being embossed on both sides
– the S9 PRO+ text above the power button is recessed into the plastic (not printed)
– the purple sensor icon shows up briefly on the display every time you switch the shaver on
Enjoy shaving with your new S9 PRO+!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Wow, you are indeed an expert. Mine passed each of your tests, so it’s obviously 96xx series. After that, I understand from your website that whether mine is a 9610si or not has mostly to do with packaging and accessories.
Still, these are days when many people received deliveries by mail from Amazon, etc… and it’s easy to imagine being fooled. So before fully accepting the item, I think my simple question (“Is this really the model I ordered?”) should be one everyone asks — and should have been easier to answer!
Hi!! I have been shaving since I was 15 . I have also been shaving my head for about 22 years .I have absolutely hated shaving all of my life and being honest , i dont believe hate is a strong enough word to describe how i feel about it. Just the hassle of it all. The time consuming inconvenience,the mess, all of it !! I shave with a safety razor or straight razor because electric razors just dont get close enough for a smooth shave ( or so i thought ). I tried an electric foil shaver once about 28 years ago, Turned right around and chucked it in the trash and thought ” why in the heck would anyone torture theirself with that hair pulling sob” … Because I had zero clue the difference between rotary and foil razors. I didn’t know that foil razors were for day to day or every couple of days shaving routines. With all of that out of the way , my wife recently bought be a foil , palm size head shaver made by Aberlite . At first my immediate thought was ” nope , thats not gonna happen ” but because she bought it for me , I had to at least try. This time, there’s videos and tutorials and this awesome highway of almost unlimited knowlage called the internet ( didnt have this much info 28 years ago ) and after watching and learning I was very excited to even try it !!! Let me just say , my life has changed !! Now i dont mind shaving at all. What use to take me 30 minutes to do now tskes about 6 .I rock a long, full, thick beard ( for now ) and started shopping for a better trimmer and I wanted a new ( now ) foil shaver . After a lot of reading, my research led me to the 2 kings . The Braun series 9 pro plus and the panasonic ARC 6 and researching the pros and cons, differences and which might be better for me , led me to your article. I can say that I really appreciate such a thorough review of the Braun but not only that . The comparible options you listed and the ” why’s ” . After wasting hours of my life on ” reviews ” , it was very refreshing to read your article. Now, I haven’t tried to wet shave with the foil razor ( yet ) but it sounds fantastic . Unfortunately, I think im still up in the air between those 2 razors but I am leaning towered the Braun. I seem to always do this . I’ll spend hours researching and comparing something , make a decision only to learn that i should have bought the ” other ” brand. I had read a few times that the head of the Braun is smaller and I have kind of a small face / neck area with alot of bends and turns and hair that grows in 30 different directions . I normally just read what I need snd move in . I usually dont leave comments but I wanted to let you know that the effort and thoroughness was very much usable and appreciated.
Hi Jay,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an insightful comment, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your shaving journey. Foil shavers have come a long way and with the right shaver and the right technique the results can be remarkable.
The Braun does sound like the more suitable option for you. Even though the Panasonic Arc 6 is capable of a slightly closer shave, I thing the large head with the less effective flexing of both the cutters and of the whole unit, would be detrimental to the experience. The S9 PRO+ seems to be the best compromise.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello. First of all, I’d like to sincerely congratulate you on your incredibly detailed and up-to-date reviews.
I’m in Italy and was looking for a top-class electric foil shaver, latest model and sold separately, without a cleaning station. That said, the choice is between Braun 96xx (2025) and Panasonic ES-LS6A (2022). That’s right: it’s almost 2026 and Panasonic is still stuck in 2022 in Europe, which is why I preferred Braun.
So, I’d like to hear your opinion on a performance comparison between these two specific models.
Hi,
Thank you so much for the kind comment, glad the info was useful.
As a European I share the same frustration when it comes to Panasonic, especially when I see the rate at which they update the Asian models. That said, the main difference between the ES-LS6A and the latest (2024 Arc 6 generation) is the new foil block and the USB-C port on select models. Fortunately the new foil block of the latest Japanese Arc 6 (ES9610) is 100% compatible with the ES-LS6A, so later on it can be upgraded. But even out of the box it’s a fantastic shaver, but so is the Braun 96xx. Choosing between them will come down to what matters more to you and your use case. Here are a few things to consider:
– The ES-LS6A shaves slightly closer, especially with the updated foil. But even out of the box, I would give it the edge over the 96xx.
– The comfort is similar, maybe with the slightest advantage for the Braun.
– The 96xx is a lot more effective at shaving longer, flat-lying hairs. Or hairs that grow in different directions. So if you’ll be shaving less often, like twice a week, the Braun would be the better option.
– Shaving head size and flexing: the 96xx has a smaller head that is more manageable and user-friendly. The ES-LS6A head is larger and wobbles, so the complex flexing mechanism isn’t as useful as the simple swivel of the Braun head. You can also shave with the head locked in a fixed position (that’s how I actually shave with my Panasonic).
– The ES-LS6A is ideal for frequent use (shaving daily up to every 2-3 days depending on how fast your beard grows) and works best with coarse, straight stubble. The 96xx works well on both short and longer/difficult hairs, in the sense that it is easier to capture them with fewer strokes. The ES-LS6A can struggle to catch such hairs.
– Integrated hair trimmers: the one on the Panasonic is vastly superior. To me, the one on the Series 9 (or on any Braun shaver) is close to useless. For shaping/tweaking/edging the sideburns, the Panasonic trimmer is the best out there.
– The battery on the 96xx will last at least 15 minutes more on a single charge. The Panasonic motor and the friction between the blades and foil will drain the battery faster.
These would be in my opinion the most important differences; hopefully it will help you decide between the two.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for a most comprehensive review which encouraged me to get the 9667 version a few days ago. First time using foil instead of rotary and what a difference this shaver makes. A great shave, almost as good as a wet shave. I also took your advice and got the cleaning solution to refill the cartridges once they need doing.
David,
Thank you so much for the comment, you’re very kind. Glad you’re happy with your new shaver, seems like the switch to a foil machine was definitely worth it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Is the pro comfort silicone head for pre shave any good or just a gimmick
It is surprisingly effective if you have coarse hairs that tend to stay flat to the skin or even grow a bit beneath the skin before poking out. I reviewed it in greater detail here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovid,
When will the 96M head be available in the US? Last time I checked, it wasn’t available on Amazon UK any longer.
Hi Bob,
The 96M is already available in the US, but not listed explicitly, as you can receive either the 94M or 96M. Braun for some reason considers them interchangeable. My guess is that the 94M won’t be manufactured anymore and the 96M will eventually be the only official replacement head for all Series 9 generations. As of now, Amazon UK seems to have the 96M in stock.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks, Ovidiu for the fantastic work you do!
Just a couple corrections to your article:
suite – – > suit
recipient – – > container
Hey Andrés,
Thanks so much for the comment and heads-up; I updated the post (and spotted a few more typos as well). :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
I unfortunately cannot find any information in regards to any material differences. Between the 96M and 94M..
Cheers!!
Hey Jared,
The only real differences are related to the two blades inside the two outermost foil elements. On the 96M, these blades are thinner and coated with Titanium Nitride for better edge retention. The closeness is slightly better as a result of this update. Other than that, the 96M remains the same as the 94M.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Update: I just chatted online with U.S. Braun. They say that replacements for the 96M Shaving Head will be available in the first half of March. For now it’s the 94M.
That’s great news, thank you for sharing the info, Dan.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
I have read many of your reviews and articles. Incredible level and depth of knowledge and insight for those of us who really care about shaving. I am a newer convert to the depth of the shaving world. I’ve shaved with electrics for years but recently got into the “products” to make the shave more luxurious….pre shave, creams and after shaves. Your reviews are most helpful.
I now own a couple of Panasonic ARC6 models, a couple of Braun 9 Pro+ models (9517 and 9660), and a couple of Panasonic ARC5 models. Yes, excessive but it’s fun to mix and match.
I am about to shave for the first time today with the 9660 with the 96M blade. I want to compare it to the 9517 and 94M blade.
It is still inordinately difficult to source the 96M blade as a replacement here in the U.S. Any additional insights on when they’ll become more available here? I see that they are more easily ordered in Europe and the UK, but tariffs are now an issue for us here.
Cheers, Ovidiu. Your site is tremendously comprehensive and thank you for all of your efforts.
Dan K.
Hi Dan,
Thanks so much for the comment, I appreciate it. Glad the info was useful.
I have an excessively large collection as well, but it’s so much fun and I never get tired of rotating shavers and making various tweaks to my routine and prep. My pre-shave stock is getting out of hand as well.
The 96M was available briefly alongside the 94M in the USA from the info I managed to gather. Maybe still is, but most likely you will get the 94M should you order it. In Europe it is already available pretty much everywhere, but still pricey. My guess is that the 94M will get discontinued, so the 96M should become available soon.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
I finally bought a 9610s and it is a very well designed shaver. I already had the clean station from the series 8 I bought a few years ago so there was no need to buy a CC version. In terms on shaving performance of the 9610s I don’t think it shaves any better than my old series 7 (original one) but now its very difficult to find replacement heads for the series 7 – hence the need to finally upgrade.
Great website as always.
Mike
Hey Mike,
Thanks so much, glad you like the new shaver. The OG Series 7 was a fantastic machine, and it still holds up against the current models. You are right about the shaving heads, unfortunately. I still have a 7865cc that I only use occasionally nowadays for precisely that reason.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Thanks to your in-depth reviews I chose Braun Series 9 18 months ago and am very happy with choice. Since it’s time for a new cassette, read your 96M review and decided to wait to get it vs 94M. Thought when I saw it on Best Buy sold by them vs marketplace it was safe to buy (vs all the online bait/switch or knockoff options). WRONG! Best Buy used all the 96M marketing material but shipped me a 94M. When I went to store to return/exchange manager had to come and finally showed me that under the hood they list the 94M UPC so if he tried to get me correct item, I would still get a 94M. Outright Fraud! Could only get refund. Guess I have to be grateful I didn’t lose my $. Is there any safe US source for the 96M?
Hey,
Thank you so much for the comment. I’m sorry about the trouble you’ve head with the cassette.
Unfortunately the 96M still seems to be missing from the US stores, even though it was supposed to be available since last month. Braun did have these shortages in the past as well (with the 90s and 92s cassettes), and it took them a while to get it sorted. I don’t think there’s any reliable store selling the 96M in the USA right now. The only alternative would be to import it from the UK, either via Amazon UK or from a trustworthy vendor on eBay, with thousands of user reviews and a score close to 100%. If the price ends up being too high, I don’t think it will be worth the trouble.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Got mine from Amazon UK, about $60-70 USD shipped I think. About par for Braun cassettes, but no idea on customs now.
That’s a really good price, Allan. Here in Romania the 96M costs around $92, which is quite a lot.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The best shaver site by far! Amazing reviews!
Quick q: does it matter which way the shaver head is inserted? Should the Pro+ label on the shaver head be on the button side? Or does it mater at all? Thanks
Steven, you are very kind, glad the info was useful.
In most cases, the way the cassette is inserted won’t make a noticeable difference. That said, I think it’s worth trying it both ways during the same session (it’s probably easier to notice any differences).
In some cases, depending on a few factors (hair grain, whether it stays flat on the skin or not, technique, pressure, speed and so on), you may find that one way works better than the other. The shaver might feel smoother or even be a bit more effective at catching the hairs. Again, for most users it won’t matter (I stopped worrying about the head orientation years ago). Braun (officially) says that it doesn’t matter which way the head is inserted.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
I know you said that the 96M head would be available in the US around March . It’s now May and every time I check the Braun website and Amazon all they show available is the 94M (and lower). I have to assume that this is because Braun would rather you buy the 96xx shaver and not just buy the 96M head to make the previous generation of shavers give you the 96xx quality shave. Any update on when we should be able to get it in the US?
Hi Bob,
That’s what Braun customer support said a while back, and it obviously didn’t happen. I’m afraid I don’t have any updates at the moment. In most European countries the 96M is readily available and has been for a while, so it seems to be a logistics issue that affects just the North American market.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just a quick note that Amazon Canada has started carrying 96M. They are listed at $162. I ordered a 94M at $105, but they sent me a 96M, so extra bonus for me :-)
Many thanks for the update, Steven. That’s a fortunate mix-up, hope you’ll enjoy the upgrade. :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you Ovidiu – brilliant and a well thought out review.
I have a quick question regarding the cleaning reminder.
Do you know that If I purchase the model without the cleaning station (9617s) does the cleaning reminder still come on? And if so, will I be able to turn the reminder off if I don’t use the automatic cleaning?
I’m asking because I prefer to clean the shaver myself and honestly don’t have a lot of space in my bathroom for the cleaning station. It would be annoying if that reminder kept coming on without having the ability to turn it off. Thank you.
Hi Arthur,
Many thanks for the comment.
On a solo model like the 9617s it wouldn’t make sense, because the only way the reminder can be cleared (until the next time it comes on) is by cleaning the shaver via the station. And since there’s no station included, it would just stay on continuously. So I don’t think it should come on on the 9617s, unless Braun were super lazy and didn’t account for this in the firmware/logic of the shaver. Unfortunately I cannot say this with certainty as I only have a cc model at this time.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you Ovidiu. I will report back on this here if I decide to buy it.
I am currently using a series 5 Braun shaver which has served me well. In your opinion is the series 9 a worthy upgrade? I’m guessing it is based on your review. Cheers!
You are very welcome, Arthur.
If you are referring to the old (discontinued) Series 5, like this one, then the switch to the Series 9 would still be an upgrade, though not a transformative one, as the old Series 5 was an excellent shaver (identical performance-wise to the current Series 8).
If by any chance you are using the current Series 5, then the upgrade should be massive.
These are things that will however vary from one user to another, as there are a few factors at play (the type of facial hair, shaving frequency, .etc) but the improvements should be noticeable nevertheless.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a Braun S9 Pro, and I hate it. The damn cleaning fluid cartridges either leak all over the counter or evaporate in a week. The trimmer sucks, and Panasonic razors shave a lot better than the S9 Pro Braun. For me, the Braun S9 Pro is the worst razor purchase I’ve ever made. Do yourself a favor and buy something else.
Hi Owen,
Sorry for the troubles you’ve had. The leaking of cleaning fluid points to either a clogged drain or the gasket surrounding the intake tube coming off. I wrote a tutorial on this here if you want to check it out. I also recommend taking the cartridge out and resealing it when the station is not in use, that will prevent fluid evaporation.
The trimmer on Panasonic shavers is the best out there. That said, the S9 PRO/PRO+ is a highly capable shaver otherwise, and user feedback is overwhelmingly positive. But there are cases when, unfortunately, a shaver will just not be a good fit for everyone.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the OG 7 and looking to pickup an upgrade. I have a beard but only to the jaw line, so I shave my neck and up to the jaw line. I don’t shave often, and normally have to use a trimmer first, but with my new job I might have to start shaving every other day.
Thinking of picking up the 96 model, but man….if a new s10 is close, I would want to hold off. Hate to spend $350 now and then a better one come out in 60 days.
Also, due to what I shave, you think the Braun would still be better than the Panasonic?
Hi Michael,
I think sticking with Braun would be a safer route. I would also consider any of the 94 or 95 models or even a Sport+ model (from Costco) as those can cost a lot less than the 96xx, shave almost the same and you can upgrade the cassette in the future.
As for a future S10, this model recently showed up at Boots (UK), there’s no info about it whatsoever and if this is the successor of the Series 9 family, at least from the look of cassette (identical to the current ones), the upgrades are mostly visual. I haven’t tested it (still trying to order one), so I might be wrong.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you!!
I just saw your reply after I added a similar comment on the Arc 5 Pro page. Didn’t realize there was a Pro version that was just released in the US. Guessing for my use, Braun is probably still the way to go.
I finally broke down and ordered the 96M from the UK. Definitely an upgrade in the shave result. Worth the price especially if it’s time for a new cutter.
Hi Bob,
Awesome, glad it was worth the trouble and you’re enjoying the upgrade.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu: What exactly is the Braun Series 9 Sport+ which is sold at Costco? How does it differ from the other Braun Series 9 shavers recently released? What are the shaving differences and are they substantial? Thanks.
Hi Wayne,
The Sport+ is essentially a Series 9 PRO but fitted with the older cassette (92), sold exclusively at Costco, usually at a very good price. The cassette (which can be easily upgraded when it’s time to replace it), along with the cleaning station that has 1 standard program instead of 3, are the only real differences between the Sport+ models and the rest of the PRO and PRO+ models currently available. In my opinion these are not important downgrades and if the price of the Sport+ is significantly lower compared to other PRO and PRO+ models that come with similar accessories, I think it’s a very compelling alternative.
The main problem is the availability; because the Sport+ can only be bought from Costco, it makes it unattainable for a lot of users. For example, someone in Europe would buy it in an instance considering the price of the local Series 9 PRO and PRO+ that can cost twice as much.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ah. Thanks, Ovidiu. In regard to the cleaning station, other than the “one” standard program, do you know if it has a fan in order to dry the shaver after cleaning? I’m curious about this given the fact that my older Series 7 cleaning station does not have one and it inconvenient to dry it following a cleaning cycle. Thanks again.
Ovidiu, thanks for such a detailed review.
I’ve been using electric shavers for over 50 years… current use a Braun Series 7 790 (for 12 years) that is getting long in the tooth so I’m stepping up to a Series 9 Pro+. I’ve tried multiple brands thru the years and have nothing but praise for the Braun.
Back in my 20’s I was prone to ingrown hairs, which pushed me over to electric razors so a super close shave isn’t at the top of my feature list. I do have sensitive skin however…. how much difference will I notice between the Series 7 & Series 9?
Hi Jeffrey,
Thank you for the comment, I appreciate it.
While it will also depend on the condition of your shaver, including how worn out are the current foils, it should feel noticeably faster, more effective and more enjoyable. If your 790cc is still in good condition, with no rattling or unusual vibrations during use, you could still hold on to it. The 83M head of the current Series 8 will fit, even though the foil frame won’t sit flush like the one on the original Series 7 head. But it will work perfectly fine.
If you do decide to get a Series 9 PRO+, definitely look for a good deal on a 96xx or even a 95xx if the latter costs significantly less. The older ones (94xx and 93xx are getting difficult to find and will probably be phased out soon).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu: a question that I may have asked before, so forgive me if I have (the memory is beginning to play tricks on me). I have the original Series 9 (9290 I think… it’s so badly faded it’s hard to read). It came with the cleaning station that has a fan to dry the shaver. The shaver still works well with no blemishes whatsoever. It is fitted with the 92S blades. Would the current Series 9 Pro provide a substantially better shave or not? I do occasionally use a foil shaver :almost never the Arc 5 because of the noise and the aggressive nature and almost never the old Series 7 just because the Series 9 seems to shave better). “If” the answer is yes, would the older cleaning station work with the newer Pro version?
Hi Wayne,
The Pro has a larger battery (so you would use it more before needing to charge it) and the foil head has been tweaked, and it’s supposedly better with longer and flat-lying hairs. To me it seems only marginally better and you can just buy the Pro foil head (part number 94M) and use it on your shaver, it will fit perfectly. In fact, even the latest 96M head (that one does shave a bit closer) of the newest Series 9 PRO+ will fit, but it is not yet available in the US.
Also, the new Braun Nevo, the premium successor of the Series 9 family that will be launched on July 7, is fitted with a new foil head that will work on your shaver too. So my advice is that if your Series 9 looks and works well, you should just upgrade the foil head in the future. The 96M and Nevo-s/Nevo-b are the best ones, but not yet available in the US and they will be pricey.
As for the cleaning station, yours will not work with a Series 9 Pro or Pro+. It will only charge the shavers, but the cleaning and drying will not work.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks, Ovidiu. I feel a bit sheepish asking for your input given that you’ve pretty much stressed these points in previous reviews so please forgive my asking this of you. Realistically, it makes no sense to “upgrade” to any of the Series 9 shavers that succeeded mine. I can see the wisdom of replacing my 92s head with the later 94M head “when” my shaver starts pulling or requiring too many passes. So, thanks for settling this. Do I still use a foil shaver? Yes. I don’t really know why other than boredom and the need to change things up a bit. But I don’t use a foil shaver very often (maybe 3 or 4 times a month… a week at most. I’m almost exclusively a rotary style shaver. It’s just the need to do something different which is why I even walk away from the mirror to check what is going on with the birds outside. haha… Take care.
Wayne,
You are most welcome. No worries, these questions are almost always slightly different and also point out a couple of related issues. You are correct, there’s no real reason to upgrade a Series 9 shaver from any generation if it performs within parameters (solid battery, no rattling/strong vibrations etc). Upgrading just the foil head would provide most of the benefits of the newer revisions.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu! Standing by for your take on the NEVO 11000 – just available in the US. First blush, a LOT more expensive (about $550 USD), slimmer, metal (SS) handle, LED display similar to the Arc 6, looks like the same cleaning cartridges, different cleaning station, and similar if not identical head design (highlighting “AeroTouch,” whatever that is), and same trimmer. To all appearances this looks like it may deliver the same shave as the S9 for about $200 more in a fancier package.
https://us.braun.com/en-us/male-grooming/electric-shavers/braun-shaver-nevo-11000c?utm_campaign=Meet-Braun-NEVO-SMS-7.8.26&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=attentive&externalId=evDK9
Hey Allan,
Your assessment is pretty much spot on. I’ve been testing the shaver for a month now as I managed to buy one from Boots ahead of the global launch. The review should hopefully go live in a few days.
There are some very interesting hardware details, mostly positive, and some downgrades as well. For example, the station won’t work with the old style cartridges (the ones with the bottom lip), but you now insert them from the front, which I find more convenient. It also looks and feels better/sturdier. The trimmer feels sharper and sticks out a bit more, but the head locking switch is part of it now (a la Panasonic), and it’s a bit finnicky to use.
The shave is incredibly enjoyable, but mainly thanks to the new cassette which is backward compatible. It’s definitely smoother and more forgiving, that’s what stands out the most about it. And you can simply use it on any Series 9. The AeroTouch tech is this special coating that makes the foils glide easier on the skin. And it’s real, the difference is noticeable vs any of the previous cassettes. In my case the closeness was pretty much identical compared to the 96M, but the Nevo cassette, at least in my experience, was certainly smoother, more forgiving (zero irritation or hairs snagged) and more pleasant.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu! Pretty much as expected – I do think the S9 Pro+ was Braun’s best to date, so even incremental improvements would be positive. Evaluating cost vs value is a personal calculus and I’m sure you’ll elaborate, and costs will of course come down over time. Right now in the range of Panasonic’s top offerings, so not out of line even though it’s an expensive razor. Likely reductions in the S9 Pro+ for those wanting a bargain. From your description and the photos I’ve seen, the foil coating seems to be similar to Philips’ use of “nano coating” on their top end rotaries which does improve the glide, to me, and I wonder that foil manufacturers hadn’t thought of it sooner. Looking forward to your final assessment!
Hey Allan,
I totally agree. The review is now live as well here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Like the previous comment, looking forward to your review of the new Braun Nevo
Hi Bob,
Thank you for the comment, I appreciate it. Should be up in a few days, I’m currently still working on it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello ovidiu. Hope you’re well. When i shave the morning after a shower, i can’t get quite as close as when i leave my skin un-showered for a couple of days. Is that because I’ve got oily skin, and the oil works as my natural ‘preparation ‘ ?. Thank you.
Hi Philip,
You’re definitely not the only one; this also happens to me and I actually shave before I shower.
Water, steam, and humidity/moisture will have a detrimental impact on the quality of a dry shave for most users. If you can’t tweak your routine to avoid shaving before you shave, I would strongly recommend a pre-shave lotion. I think the best in this case would be the Gatsby pre-shave gel. It’s more difficult to source (I buy it from eBay), but it should help a lot with improving your dry shave if you shower right before. It makes the shaving head glide easier on the skin, the hair is cut cleanly and it dries any moisture from the skin. You can find all the info about it, including a product link in my pre-shaves guide.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for that. I don’t shave before or after I shower. I always shave the day after. But the shave is slightly closer the day after THAT one. 2 days later basically.
My bad, I must have missed that detail and just assumed that you shave right after the shower.
In this case, it shouldn’t really make much of a difference. With showering and shaving dry with an electric razor, it’s all about timing and whether it’s a day or two shouldn’t matter as long as you don’t shave immediately after showering. Is it possible that your stubble is longer, so one extra day of growth? That could have an impact on the closeness of the shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello. I do shave every day, but even though it takes longer to shave with 2 days growth, it does seem to shave closer. Many thanks.
Hi Philip,
You are very welcome. That actually makes sense: the reason for the closer shave is the length of the hair, so it’s unrelated to the shower routine.
It’s generally recommended to shave daily for the best results, but there are exceptions. For example, if the hair hasn’t poked out sufficiently or because of a small inflammatory process (caused by razor burn/irritation etc.), skin tissue could cling to the hair or even cover it partially. I know that’s what happens when I shave daily, and sometimes the skin on my neck and on the moustache would also be a bit tender, further impacting my shave. Therefore I get the best results (closeness, comfort and even how long it takes to complete) when I shave every other day and the hair sticks out enough. When it pokes through the foils, it can be cut cleanly. From what I can tell, you may be experiencing something similar.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your great knowledge!. Its greatly appreciated. Bye for now.
You’re very welcome, Philip. Glad I could be of help.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu