Review Summary Editor's choice
Pros: incredibly comfortable and gentle, close shaves, compact shaving head, powerful motor, outstanding build quality and sleek aesthetics, great battery life, USB-C, exquisite design
Cons: no hair trimmer, no travel case (sold separately or as a more expensive bundle), heavy and slippery, pricey
Every now and then, we come across products that seem just too good to be true.
Whether it’s the outstanding specs or some exquisite design, once we get to own and use them, the experience often turns out to be underwhelming.
In the case of electric shavers, things are generally predictable.
We have a few well-established brands, and their top-of-the-line models shave great and cost a lot. That’s usually how things stand.
And then there’s Laifen, a young tech company that probably deserves a lot more attention.
In particular, their electric shavers, which were only recently released in 2025.
The Laifen P3 Pro is unlike anything I’ve seen and used before.
I was instantly intrigued by the design, build and novelty of this shaver, so I bought one as soon as it became available.
I’ve been using my Laifen P3 Pro for almost a month now, and in this review, I’ll share my experience with this one-of-a-kind shaver.
Spoiler: it’s good. Really good.
Disclaimer: I purchased the shaver myself and I am not affiliated with or endorsed by Laifen. This review reflects my genuine experience with the product.
Laifen electric shavers: a quick overview
Laifen’s relative rise to fame happened some years ago thanks to a hair dryer that looked and worked the same as a popular model from Dyson.
But it cost 4 times less.
I can actually confirm that it’s just as good as the Dyson dryer because I own both.
And just like Dyson, Lifen’s focus is on R&D and innovation.
In fact, one third of their employees work in the R&D department, which is remarkable.
And as you’ll see, the P3 Pro packs some impressive tech, some of which you won’t find on other electric shavers.
Laifen P3 (Pro) model comparison
The P3 Pro is available in four colors, at least for now:
- Silver (aka original)
- Space gray
- Royal Blue (bundle, new for 2026)
- Light Blue (new for 2026)
I went with the Silver variant as I felt it contrasts nicely with the front panel and I’ve always liked the natural look of aluminum.
But all colors are very appealing and maybe even more will follow.
The dark blue model is bundled with a travel case (called Pod) and a non-slip mat, and it’s priced higher than the other (solo) versions.
UPDATE: In China, there are two additional colors available (green and pink). Hopefully, we’ll get them in the USA and in Europe as well.
Laifen P3 Pro vs P3 (non-Pro)
Apart from the P3 Pro, Lifen now offers a P3 as well.
The non-Pro P3 comes with a fiberglass body instead of aluminum, and it costs less.
Laifen P3
The performance should however be absolutely identical (same motor, same foil head).
The P3 (non-Pro) is available in a bundle (with a travel Pod and a non-slip mat) or solo (just the shaver).
There are 3 colors to choose from for the P3:
- White
- Black
- Light blue
Again, the shaving performance of the P3 and P3 Pro will be the same, so the differences come down to the shaver’s body (fiberglass vs aluminum, respectively).
As a side note, apart from the P3 range, Laifen also makes a low-end shaver.
That one is called the T1 Pro and it’s a single-foil model.
The P3/P3 Pro is obviously the more capable of the two, despite the travel-friendly form factor.
Let’s check it out in detail.
Laifen P3 Pro features
1. Aluminum unibody design
There’s just no way to ignore the design and build of the P3 Pro.
The shaver body has a compact, boxy shape machined from one solid block of aluminum.
The CNC milling process itself is impressive:
While we did have metal shavers in the past, like the Panasonic ES-CV70, ES-LV9Q or the OG Philips S9000 Prestige, those only featured metal panels and plastic.
The P3 Pro on the other hand is one solid metal block, machined with extreme precision and sandblasted to a matte, exquisite finish.
Laifen says the milling process alone takes 2.5 hours and they can only make 8 shavers per day.
The 2026 Braun Nevo that costs a lot more comes with a stainless steel unibody, but to me it doesn’t look or feel as impressive as the P3 Pro.
And that’s not all; the front of the P3 Pro features a glass panel so you can get a peek at the two (!) motors.
2. Dual 12 000 CPM motors
The Laifen P3 Pro is fitted with two compact and fast 12 000 CPM (cycles per minute) motors.
But why use two motors instead of one?
According to Laifen, it reduces vibrations and of course provides more power — two is better than one, right?
I will say however that their claim of a shaver with 24 000 CPM is kind of misleading.
Even though there are two units, it’s still a 12 000 CPM shaver because that’s the actual output of the motor.
It’s still super impressive, especially given how compact the P3 Pro is.
For comparison’s sake, the Braun Series 9 PRO+ and Nevo have a 10 000 CPM motor, while the latest Panasonic Lamdash Pro 6 features a mighty 14 000 CPM unit.
These specs are always fun to compare, but the real-world performance of a shaver depends on many other things as well.
For example, the torque and the quality of the foil and blades.
3. Three-blade shaving system
The Laifen P3 Pro is a foil electric shaver that uses a common setup with 3 active cutting elements:
- 2 foil elements for cutting hair at skin level
- 1 slit trimmer for capturing and pre-trimming longer, flat-lying hairs
The middle trimmer has a rather interesting design, being very wide, a lot wider than what we find on Braun and Panasonic shavers.
The design and manufacturing of microfoils and blades are quite complex and difficult.
This is usually the Achilles’ heel of many shavers from small, young companies.
We’ll see later on if Laifen managed to beat the odds and come up with a reliable, durable, and effective foil system.
But things look promising: the foil head of the P3 Pro feels very solid and refined.
Moreover, the stainless steel alloy has a low Nickel content, which is great news for users with metal allergies.
The blades that oscillate inside the two foil elements have a generous span of 146.2°, meaning they can effectively cut the hairs that poke through the perforations on the side.
The foils are impressively thin at 0.055mm, so we should expect a close shave. But getting it just right is tricky, as thin foils can be brittle and wear out faster.
The shaving head of the P3 Pro is, as expected, fixed, but the three 3 cutters do move independently.
So in that regard, the P3 Pro is very similar to the design of the Panasonic Palm 5-blade or the ES-CM3A.
4. Wet&dry, cordless-only operation
The Laifen P3 Pro is IPX7 waterproof, so you can safely rinse it clean with water.
You can also shave wet with your favorite shaving cream or gel, even in the shower.
Like most of today’s shavers, the P3 Pro will only work cordless.
For that, it’s fitted with a hefty Li-ion battery that can provide up to 100 minutes of cordless shaving from a single charge.
That’s impressive and more than double what the similarly sized Panasonic Arc 5 Palm offers.
As expected, the P3 Pro comes with a USB-C port, which is of course, the right solution for charging a shaver nowadays.
5. Warranty
Laifen offers a standard 2-year warranty for the P3 Pro.
However, if you bought the shaver between September 5 and October 31, be it from Amazon or directly from them, you get 3 extra years for a total of 5.
Interestingly, Laifen says the shaver should last for 10 years of use, so they’re quite confident in the reliability of their product.
You would have to register your shaver on their website to benefit from the extended warranty.
Important: you need to enter your 9-digit product code in the registration form and that number is only printed on the outer cardboard box:
So make sure you snap a photo of the code before discarding the packaging.
I did not do that, so I had to reach out to Laifen’s customer support to try and obtain it.
Luckily they were super helpful and were able to send me the product code after providing the QR code located under the foil head of my shaver.
Just scanning it with a phone app won’t help, you would need to open a support ticket and give them the QR code.
Unfortunately this is bound to happen to other users and I think it’s something that Laifen could definitely improve.
Simply printing the actual product code on the shaver would solve this.
Build quality and ergonomics
The Laifen P3 Pro must be the shaver with the best build quality I’ve ever held in my hand.
It’s in a different league compared to any other electric razors out there.
In fact, it looks more like a high-end prototype of some sort.
The finish, the cold feel of the aluminum, the perfect fit, and lack of any rough edges or uneven gaps are just exquisite.
Everything looks and feels over-engineered — and it probably is.
Let’s start with the 3-blade foil head.
It attaches magnetically to the shaver and the way it snaps in place has to be one of the most satisfying things ever.
The magnet is super strong and the fit is perfect, with no trace of wobbling.
It stays very securely in place, and I don’t see how it would ever come out by accident — absolutely zero chances of that happening.
There’s virtually no gap between the two parts and the foil head fits both ways.
Oftentimes with this type of shavers you would only be able to insert the head one way, like for example in the case of the Panasonic Palm.
But not with the P3 Pro.
Also, the foil elements themselves look and feel sturdy and refined.
I am particularly impressed by the mirror polish finish of the metal end caps — these are usually plastic with most other shavers.
And speaking of over-engineering, the inner core of the shaver, also milled out of a metal block, is joined together with the outer case via 8 Torx screws.
The metal foil head is also attached to the (metal) foil frame via 2 Torx screws, so there’s no friction fitting here.
The edges are precisely machined and the metal has a matte, powdery sandblasted texture that feels expensive and premium.
On the front side of the shaver, we have a cutout covered by a 2D glass window with curved, rounded edges.
The concept is similar to that of a display caseback on a mechanical watch and I must say that it’s a very nice touch and quite a flex.
And the inside of the P3 Pro definitely deserves to be put on display.
We get a glimpse of the copper wire coils and the super neat and aesthetically pleasing packaging of the inner bits.
I’ve opened quite a few shavers throughout the years and let me tell you that the inside is usually NOT pretty at all.
The glass also covers a couple of LED icons for battery charge/cleaning reminder and travel lock, very minimalist and tastefully done.
On my Silver P3 Pro, the backlighting of the icons is white, while on the Space Gray model it is blue.
The oval power button is located on the side and it’s probably the best location for it.
The button is very clicky and, of course, made of the same aluminum alloy.
Long pressing it will activate the travel lock or travel mode, signaled by the airplane icon, reminiscent of the airplane mode on our phones.
The USB-C charging port sits at the bottom of the shaver and it’s covered by a high-quality, sturdy rubber flap that sits flush with the bottom part.
It’s also attached to the shaver, so you won’t lose it.
Everything you touch is either solid metal or glass and again I have to give props to Laifen for designing such a unique shaver.
The only plastic bits are the two oscillating pins, the protective cap (that attaches magnetically) and the inner cores of the three blades.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a high-quality plastic and it makes perfect sense to use it on those parts.
Fun fact: the black parts at the ends on the foil frame are actually some rubber grommets that dampen vibrations.
Takeaway
I had high expectations from the P3 Pro but I was blown away by the quality, finish and the no-compromise approach regarding the material choice and design.
Strictly regarding the build quality, this shaver is among the best, if not the best, regardless of price point.
Let’s now talk a bit about ergonomics.
The Laifen P3 Pro is a compact shaver with a travel-friendly design.
However, because of the generous use of metal, it’s a very hefty shaver for its size.
With a weight of 180g, it is 50g heavier than the Panasonic Palm and almost 70g more than the 3-blade ES-CM3A.
And while the glass and sandblasted metal look and feel nice, they don’t offer the best grip.
I often had to compensate for that by squeezing the shaver harder, which sometimes did feel a bit straining on my hand.
The aforementioned Panasonic models, which are similar in size, shape and are basically the direct competitors of the P3 Pro, are better in terms of ergonomics.
And while the Laifen P3 Pro is definitely super sturdy and solid, glass does break, so dropping the shaver could very well cause that.
I was constantly aware of that risk whenever carrying or washing this compact, heavy and slippery shaver.
I think users with grip or joint issues like arthritis should probably consider an alternative as the experience will not be the best.
The non-Pro P3 with its fiberglass body will be lighter and will shave the same, though the build quality won’t feel as impressive.
I don’t have any of those health issues, but I already dropped the foil head; luckily, it was in my sink, so there was no damage.
Aluminum is a soft metal and dropping it from a great height on the bathroom tiles for example will likely ding or dent it.
And since the tolerances and fitting are so tight, you may not be able to properly attach the foil head to the shaver’s body if that happens.
This is where plastic, rubber or a combination of metal and plastic would probably fare better.
So while the metal + glass build is awesome, there are also some significant potential cons, especially with regards to ergonomics and accidental drops.
Included accessories
Here’s what came with my Laifen P3 Pro:
- Protective plastic cap (magnetic)
- USB-C charging cable
- User manual, leaflets
The bundle itself is pretty basic and I would have liked to see a cleaning brush, USB-C charger or even a travel case.
Speaking of which, you can buy it separately from Laifen’s website and it’s called a travel pod.
The case is available in 3 colors (white, dark blue, silver) and it is quite pricey.
It’s a compact, semi-hard travel case fitted with a zipper and a nicely padded interior.
And it should have been included, not sold separately.
UPDATE 2026: The new Laifen P3 Pro in Royal Blue comes bundled with the travel pod plus a non-slip pad, and the price of the package is quite compelling.
The packaging of the Laifen P3 Pro is as impressive as the shaver itself.
It feels like you’re unboxing the latest iPhone and everything has an Apple-esque vibe to it.
There are even tear-off strips and the box is made of super thick and sturdy cardboard.
Everything is neatly packed inside and we get a braided USB-C cable.
But overall, I think the standard kit should have been more generous, with the lack of a travel case being the biggest letdown.
My P3 Pro does fit perfectly inside the case of my Panasonic Palm, so I will use that when I travel.
I keep mentioning this particular Panasonic model as I feel it is a worthy competitor to the P3 Pro.
The Panasonic bundle is a lot more generous and apart from the excellent travel case, it includes a bottle of lubricant, a cleaning brush and a charger.
Shaving performance
So far things are shaping up great for the Laifen P3 Pro, but let’s see if it can shave as good as it looks.
I’ve been using it consistently for almost a month, shaving both daily and every few days, wet and dry, and also alternating between the P3 Pro and a couple of other shavers.
It will however take a lot more time to get a sense of the shaver’s reliability and the durability of the foils and blades.
But as for the shave quality and capabilities, I think was able to get a pretty good idea.
Comfort of the shave
Let’s start with the comfort because this is, in my opinion, the most impressive part about the shaver.
The Laifen P3 Pro is one of the smoothest, most forgiving, and most comfortable electric shavers I’ve ever used.
During the last 25 years, I tried over one hundred electric shavers and this one is at the very top with regard to comfort.
It immediately reminded me of the very first Braun Series 7 generation, the OG models with Gillette blades that set the standard for shaving comfort.
The foils feel incredibly smooth on the skin and you never really feel that the hairs are actually getting cut.
You do notice the strong vibrations of the cutters, but it feels more like a massage and I think it’s the smoothest gliding shaving head out there.
Fun fact: the shaving head of the P3 Pro also does a great job at containing most of the clipped hairs inside, so a dry shave will be less messy.
I have very sensitive, dry and thin skin on my neck, and I would often get some stinging, pinching or the occasional nick and some hairs getting snagged.
I was pleasantly surprised by the complete lack of any of those while shaving with the P3 Pro.
Wet or dry, with or without a pre-shave, the comfort was just superb.
I didn’t get any razor burn, redness, rashes or bumps.
The post-shave feel was one of the best I’ve ever experienced from an electric razor.
To me, the excellent comfort of the Laifen P3 Pro came as a complete surprise.
I honestly did not expect it to be this good.
I think users with sensitive, even acne-prone skin should absolutely consider it.
And while not everyone will have the same experience, most men will find the P3 Pro very gentle and comfortable.
The three cutters have an immaculate finish and the polish is top-notch, which makes shaving even more pleasant.
Moreover, the foils never get very hot.
I washed mine with water and soap and intentionally did not lubricate the blades for the next 3 or 4 shaves just to see how they would fare.
To my surprise, the foils only got warm toward the end of the shave.
This means you can get away with lubricating your P3 Pro less often (more on that later on).
In conclusion, the comfort of the shave with the Laifen P3 Pro was outstanding, making it a top choice for users with sensitive skin.
Closeness
Electric razors that prioritize comfort tend to sacrifice a bit of closeness.
Take for example most of the current Braun shavers.
The closeness is definitely good enough, even excellent according to some users, but not class-leading.
And after thoroughly testing the Laifen P3 Pro, I feel like it falls in the same category.
The closeness was generally very good, similar to what I would get from a Braun Series 8 or even 9.
But a Panasonic Arc 5 and Arc 6, especially the latest revisions, are ahead of the P3 Pro.
That said, the closeness on my neck and cheeks when shaving with the P3 Pro was about as good as it gets.
Perfectly smooth and clean, nothing to complain about.
But on areas with very thick and dense stubble, like the chin and moustache in my case, the result could have been a bit better.
Only the 5 and 6-blade Panasonic models manage to give me that razor blade-like closeness and I can barely see some stubble the next day.
It’s a bit unfair to compare the compact 3-blade Laifen to top-of-the-line 6-blade Panasonic models that cost more than twice as much.
Therefore, I think the closeness of the P3 Pro, all things considered, is more than satisfactory.
In fact, given how comfortable the shaver is, even better in that regard than the Braun and Panasonic high-end models, the closeness is quite remarkable.
Again I was not expecting a shaver from an inexperienced company to be this good.
Getting the closeness and comfort right is extremely difficult and in my opinion Laifen did a great job.
Shaving longer, flat-lying hairs
You’re probably starting to see a pattern here: yours truly being impressed by how good the P3 Pro turned out to be.
And it’s not over yet.
Foil razors, especially the ones with simple shaving systems like this 3-blade Laifen, aren’t great with difficult hairs.
Difficult means any combination of longer, flat-lying hairs that grow in different directions that can’t be easily captured by the shaving head.
Ideally, you’d want the stubble to be short and grow relatively straight.
But most men have at least a few patches of difficult hairs, usually on the neck.
The Laifen P3 Pro managed to fare very well with this type of hair.
In fact, I’d say it’s among the most capable foil shavers out there, only behind the Braun Series 9 and its Pro variants.
Moreover, because the P3 Pro is so gentle, I’m able to go over an area multiple times without any irritation.
So even the stubborn hairs are eventually captured and cut.
The foil frame is unobtrusive and you grip the shaver close to the actual cutters, giving you great control over the pressure, direction and length of the passes.
I’d say most men will be able to shave a 3-day beard with relative ease. It will of course depend on the coarseness of the beard and how fast the hair grows.
But it’s safe to assume that the P3 Pro will work well for shaving daily and up to every 3–4 days.
To me this excellent result was again unexpected; many other shavers, including the Panasonic Arc 5 and Arc 6, still have more trouble catching difficult hairs.
But that wide middle trimmer of the Laifen P3 Pro does work very well and it’s among the most effective out there, only edged by the Braun Series 8, 9 and Philips Norelco 9000 series.
Wet shaving
So far, I’ve only addressed the dry shaving performance of the Laifen P3 Pro and it’s been superb.
Most of the time, I used the pre-shave lotion from Speick, which makes everything better and I would highly recommend it.
It pairs wonderfully with this shaver and it’s a great product if you’ll be shaving dry.
But since the P3 Pro is IPX7 rated, you can shave wet as well, be it over the sink or even in the shower.
A stellar dry shave is generally an indication of at least an equally good wet shave.
I’m happy to report that the P3 Pro came through again.
I used my go-to shaving balm, the Jack Black Beard Lube, and the comfort was just sublime.
Moreover, after leaving the product on my face for around 5 minutes, it softened the wiry bristles and I got a slightly closer shave as well.
I only needed to rinse the shaver two or three times during the entire shave, so it doesn’t clog easily.
The Laifen P3 Pro isn’t as bitey as the 5-blade Panasonic, so I would still give the edge to the latter, but the closeness was nevertheless more than satisfactory.
Wet shaving does take more time to prep and the cleaning needs to be thorough, so most users will probably stick to shaving dry with the P3 Pro.
I think it’s worth the extra work if you have a heavy beard and want a closer shave.
The comfort of a dry shave is already excellent, so most of us will not see a big improvement like we would in the case of other (more aggressive) razors.
Noise during use
The Laifen P3 Pro is a foil shaver powered by one of the faster linear motors out there.
So it should be loud.
And it is, but I don’t think it’s that bad.
It has a lower pitch compared to the 14 000 CPM Panasonic motors and because the head is fixed, and we only have 3 blades instead of 5 or 6, it’s not as loud.
The noise is more like a raspy buzzing, similar to a Wahl hair clipper or some of the old/vintage electric shavers.
In terms of decibels, it’s still what you’d expect from a modern, fast foil shaver, but to my ear, it’s not very disturbing.
I got almost the same reading from a sound app as in the case of the Braun S9 Pro and the Arc 5: 64db measured at 15cm from the shaver (room idle noise at 51db).
The motor itself is almost whisper-quiet; if you remove the foil head and turn the shaver on, you can barely hear anything.
So all the damping and the opposing movement of the two motors really work.
No hair trimmer
The absence of a hair trimmer is probably one of the more notable downsides of this shaver.
For some users, this detail won’t make much difference, especially if the P3 Pro will be primarily for travel use.
But if it will be your main, everyday tool, it could be a deal-breaker.
For me, it surely would be; if I were to use only one shaver, I would have to pass on this otherwise excellent Laifen for that single reason.
My sideburns grow really fast, and I always tweak and trim them before I shave.
I do have many shavers fitted with an extendable hair trimmer, so it’s not an issue for me.
But if this will be your only shaver, having no trimmer may be a make-or-break factor.
I can’t really blame Laifen for not including one, it’s almost impossible to fit a decent trimmer on a shaver of this size and shape.
Panasonic also didn’t put one on the Palm or the ES-CM3A.
As a side note, I think Laifen should also consider designing a more conventional shaver, maybe a 4-blade model with a pop-up trimmer.
Such a shaver, that would feature the same all-metal build, comfort, battery life and effectiveness at catching difficult hairs would be an absolute winner.
Cleaning the Laifen P3 Pro
How easy a shaver is to clean can shape your overall experience using it.
It’s one of the reasons why I ditched some of my previous shavers — the ones that cannot be rinsed clean.
The P3 Pro is waterproof and luckily the cleaning process is straightforward and takes less than a minute.
The shaver will even warn you that it’s time to clean it by flashing the red round icon, though the blades would need to be filled with grime to trigger that notification.
So definitely don’t wait until that happens and clean your P3 Pro after every shave.
Laifen recommends only rinsing the foil head with water, and that’s mostly fine, especially if you only shave dry or you’re in a hurry.
I will also share my cleaning routine that involves the optional use of liquid soap for a more thorough cleaning.
Important: Make sure the rubber flap that covers the USB port is closed whenever you’re wet shaving or washing the shaver.
Once you’ve finished your shave, switch your P3 Pro off and remove the foil head.
If your hands and the shaver are dry, you should be able to do it by simply grabbing the ends between your thumb and index and pulling the foil head out.
It is magnetically held in place, but it’s a strong hold, and the fit is very tight.
So you may need to use your thumbnail and stick it into the tiny cutout and pry the head off the shaver.
When shaving wet, you will most likely need to do this.
Since the foil head is made out of aluminum, I do not recommend tapping it against a hard surface to get the hairs out.
Aluminum will dent and then the head may not fit properly.
Instead, give it a very generous rinse with warm water, washing both the outer and the inner part of the foil.
Rinse the shaver body as well, especially the part around the drive pins that can harbor lots of hair.
Shake off the excess water, gently pat the parts dry with a towel and you’re all set.
I must caution you to take extra care when washing, handling and wiping the shaver and foil, as they are heavy and slippery, so the risk of dropping them is real.
This would be a quick cleaning routine, fine for most of the time.
But at least occasionally, and definitely after every use if you shave wet, you should use some liquid soap for an extra thorough cleaning.
Here’s how it goes.
After washing the foil and shaver with water (same process as above), snap the foil head back onto the shaver and pour some liquid soap on the foils.
Turn the shaver on, and spread the lather evenly over the three cutters with your finger.
Add more water if needed and let the shaver run for 15 to 20 seconds.
With the shaver still on, rinse off the soap with warm water.
Turn it off, remove the foil and give everything one final rinse.
Carefully pat dry and leave the foil head detached so it can air dry completely.
Also, I would try not to use the protective cover unless I’m traveling and the shaver is in my toiletry bag.
In time, using the cover for a prolonged period may cause the foils to develop a funky smell.
On another note, I was impressed by how easy the P3 Pro is to clean and how the matte aluminum doesn’t show any smudges.
Same for the glass window — I thought it would be a fingerprint magnet, but it’s not.
Lubrication
Laifen recommends oiling the blades regularly, but they do not include any lubricant.
There are, however, readily available products you can use.
The best choice would be some clipper oil (which is essentially highly refined mineral oil, very thin and with low viscosity).
I’ve been using the ones from Wahl, Oster or Syprin with great results.
These are easy to find and reasonably priced.
Laifen designed a high-quality foil system that not only looks and performs great, but also doesn’t get too hot.
So oiling the blades once or twice a week should suffice. You can increase the frequency if you always clean the shaver with water and soap.
With the foil head clean and dry, place one or two drops of oil on the outside of each of the three cutters.
Switch the shaver on for about 5 seconds, then gently wipe the excess oil with a paper tissue.
I usually do it right before I shave, but it doesn’t really matter as long as you do it regularly.
Battery life and charging
Apart from the premium build and excellent shaving performance, the Laifen P3 Pro also stands out with its battery life and a couple of related features.
The shaver is fitted with a high-density LiCoO₂ (Lithium Cobalt Oxide) battery.
When fully charged, it can provide close to 100 minutes of cordless use, which is super impressive for a shaver of any size.
The slightly larger Panasonic Palm can only offer half of that and it doesn’t have a quick charge feature.
The P3 Pro on the hand allows you to quickly charge it for 3 minutes, which will give you 7-8 minutes’ worth of shaving time.
That’s very handy and quite an uncommon feature on shavers that use USB-C charging.
And speaking of which, it is of course another must-have.
The USB-C port is located at the bottom and covered by a sturdy rubber flap, which means the shaver will sit on its side while charging.
That takes around 2 hours and you can use any USB-C cable and USB charger.
It works with both USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-A-to-USB-C cables.
My only gripe — and it’s a petty one — is that the battery LED indicator is super basic and not very useful.
It will just glow red continuously when the battery needs to be charged, and that can take you by surprise.
The flashing of the red light means the shaver needs to be cleaned, so it’s unrelated to charging.
I think Laifen could have done something better, like an orange light that comes on when the charge drops below 50%.
But again, it’s a minor complaint. The long battery life and the quick charge feature surely make up for it.
I think the well-known brands that dominate the industry should really up their game and offer better battery life and USB-C charging.
If a newcomer can, then there’s no excuse for Panasonic, Braun, and Philips to keep putting out devices with mediocre battery life and proprietary chargers.
Panasonic is slowly moving in the right direction, and we see more of the current models featuring USB-C.
Replacement parts availability
Being a new release from a new company, we really don’t know much about the durability of the Laifen foils and blades.
Things do look promising and the perceived quality is excellent.
The foil head of the P3 Pro gives the impression of a sturdy, expensive and well-engineered part.
You can even dismantle it completely since it’s held together with Torx screws.
Normally, you would not need to do this — maybe for a thorough cleaning if there’s hardened dirt or grime that you cannot remove otherwise.
But replacing the P3 Pro foil head would require replacing the whole foil head, meaning the aluminum frame as well.
This has its pros and cons.
Well, there’s only one pro: it’s very easy and straightforward.
On the other hand, replacing the entire foil head, including the nice aluminum frame, seems wasteful and also means the part will be more expensive.
To me it makes no sense to sell the foils (and blades) with a new frame and forcing the user to pay for it as well.
The frame should be sold separately (like Panasonic does) and you would only buy it if you need it.
At the moment of writing this review, the replacement foil head for the P3 Pro was not yet available for purchase.
However, according to Laifen, the part should be in stock by November 2025.
UPDATE November 2025: The P3 Pro Replacement head is now available on Laifen’s website and on Amazon.
They say it should last for 1.5 years, so similar to what Braun and Panasonic say about their foils.
But we shall see how it holds up in the real world.
You may need to change the foil of your P3 Pro sooner (or maybe even later) depending on several factors.
For example, how often you shave, how coarse and dense your beard is and how well you take care of the shaver (cleaning, lubrication).
Takeaway: Should you buy the Laifen P3 Pro?
If the (very few) gotchas are not a deal-breaker, I think it’s a remarkable electric shaver that’s unlike anything out there right now.
The all-metal build is just something else and the P3 Pro looks more like a high-tech device than a common electric shaver.
It’s one of the smoothest and most forgiving electric razors you can buy, and the closeness is also very good.
The P3 Pro is effective with both longer and short stubble and you can use it wet or dry.
The excellent battery life and quick charge feature make it even more appealing, especially when compared to the competition.
However, you will not get a hair trimmer and because of its weight, shape and lack of grip, the ergonomics of this shaver aren’t the best.
But if you can get past those, I think you will absolutely love the P3 Pro.
The dimensions and USB-C charging make it suitable as a travel shaver, though its weight is similar to that of a full-size shaver.
Let’s now check out a few alternatives.
(Better) alternatives
Panasonic Palm-sized vs Laifen P3 Pro
The first and most obvious option would be the shaver I’ve been mentioning a lot throughout this review, the compact Panasonic Arc 5 Palm-sized.
It is similar to the P3 Pro in several ways; it follows the same philosophy, with a compact body, magnetic cap and USB-C charging port.
But it’s also quite different in many regards.
To hopefully help you decide which one you should buy, I will list the things that one does better than the other.
Laifen P3 Pro > Panasonic Palm-sized
- The P3 Pro is smoother and more comfortable; the Panasonic is not quite as forgiving (still good enough for sensitive skin)
- It’s more effective with difficult (flat-lying) hairs
- The shaving head of the Laifen is narrower and it’s easier to shave below the nose and around the sideburns
- The metal construction of the P3 Pro feels more premium
- The battery life of the P3 Pro is superior (100 vs 50 minutes of cordless operation) and there’s a quick charge feature
- The P3 Pro costs less
Panasonic Palm-sized > Laifen P3 Pro
- The Panasonic Palm is faster and the closeness is better, especially if you have coarse/thick stubble
- It’s lighter and easier to grip
- You get a lot more accessories, including a travel case, charger, cleaning brush and lubricant
- It’s the better of the two if you also shave your head
- There’s a special Sonic cleaning mode on the Panasonic Palm
- You have more options when replacing the foil and blades
- The reliability of Panasonic is well-known; we don’t know much about Laifen electric razors
I think these would be the most important things to factor in when comparing the Panasonic Palm-sized to the Laifen P3 Pro.
Both are worth buying, but it’s up to you to decide which would make more sense depending on what you’re looking for in a shaver.
For example, the Panasonic would be the more sensible choice is you shave often and want a really close shave.
The P3 Pro is gentler and better with flat-lying hairs, which means you can still get an effective shave if you use it less often, like twice a week.
Panasonic ES-CM3A vs Laifen P3 Pro
Finally, we have the Palm’s smaller brother, the ES-CM3A (or ES-CM3B in Europe).
This is a 3-blade shaver that costs a lot less than both the Palm and the P3 Pro, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, by far the easiest to use of the three, and the performance is impressive for its size.
I think it’s as comfortable as the Palm and manages to shave as close as the P3 Pro.
It does however work best on short facial hair, so ideally you would use it daily or every other day.
The P3 Pro is noticeably more effective at capturing the longer, flat-lying whiskers, even though it uses the same setup (two foils + slit trimmer).
Also, the ES-CM3A is the most travel-oriented of the three, so I don’t really see it as my main shaver.
If your budget is limited and you want a shaver you can keep in your toiletry bag when traveling, I think this one makes the most sense.
It’s the smallest, lightest, and least expensive of the three and still gives a good shave, provided the hair is reasonably short.
This concludes my review of the Laifen P3 Pro, a shaver that truly stands out, and mostly in a good way.
If you’d like to share your experience with it or you have any other questions, make sure to post a comment below.
I am doing head shaving, so? how good will it be? I usually use the BaBylissPRO® FX3 or something a like (Fx2 or whatever)
How will you compare it?
Hey Oz,
It won’t shave quite as close as the FX3 or FX2 or any other double-foil shaver of that type (like the Andis ProFoil), but it will be more comfortable and less irritating. It’s also a lot lighter than the metal BaBylissPRO models and easier to grip when shaving the head. But I still think you should buy the Panasonic Palm-sized if you’ll primarily be using it for head shaving. That one is just better (faster, closer, easier to grip). It costs more, but in this case I think it’s worth it and you get more goodies (travel case, oil, charger).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I travel about 4 times a year for 2-3 weeks. I always take my trusty Braun S9. (Recently replaced a 7yr old S9 after the switch broke). I have to shave daily. What do you think of this or the Pano travel size as an alternative for traveling. ?
Hi Michael,
For shaving daily both would work great. The Panasonic Arc 5 Palm will however be a bit faster and will shave closer, while the Laifen will be slightly gentler. The Panny is also lighter and comes bundled with a nice travel case and a tiny bottle of lubricant, ideal for traveling.
So it comes down to what would matter more to you.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a collection of foil shavers; Remington, Braun 5 & 7, Panasonic 3, 4 & 5 heads. Norelco, and panasonic rotary shavers just don’t cut it for me.
I have only one question / comment. I am rather sensitive to loud noises close to my ears. Could you comment on the relative sound? I am especially interested Laifen P3 Pro.
Hi Robert,
I’m afraid you’ll find it just as loud as your other foil shavers, it’s essentially the same in that regard. If you’re sensitive to noise close to your ears, this one definitely does not solve that problem. I think it will continue to be a downside of foil shavers for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Excellent review, as always.
Thank you! and keep up the good work!
(Braun Series 9 Pro user)
Thank you for the comment, Peter, you are very kind. Glad the review was useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu, thanks for yet another thorough and insightful review!
I’m happy with the Braun 9 Pro+ I’ve been using at home and when traveling for the past two years, but am intrigued by the Laifen P3 Pro based on your review. I shave daily and typically have very light beard growth. I am a bit concerned about the ergonomics and would miss the trimmer, but could use the old Braun trimmer if necessary. Just wished I saw your article yesterday when the free extended warranty was being offered.
Any additional thoughts?
Key Kenneth,
Thanks so much for the comment.
For daily use and a light grow it would work great. I think the ergonomics won’t be a big issue for the majority of users (unless of course there are some grip issues caused by a medical condition for example). From what I can tell, you don’t necessarily need another shaver, but you would rather buy the P3 Pro for the novelty and the appeal of the shaver. Which is a valid reason in my book. You can of course use the Braun trimmer at home, but if you’ll be taking the P3 Pro when traveling, you will probably miss it. It’s why I keep reaching for my old Arc 5 ES-CV51 when I’m traveling for more than 3 days as it’s the only capable travel-friendly shaver out there with an excellent trimmer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your reply. You are correct that I bought the P3 Pro even though my Braun S9 Pro+ works well since I like trying out new consumer electronics.
I was really surprised that the P3 Pro shaves as well if not closer than my top-of-the-line Braun shaver! I like the high quality look and compactness of the P3, however I agree that it’s not quite as comfortable to hold and do really miss the trimmer. I’ll probably keep both since the P3 is relatively cheap especially now that it’s on sale for Black Friday week.
Hey Ken,
Thank you for the follow-up, glad you enjoy your P3 Pro. I think it’s worth buying for the novelty and also for the performance, it truly is a proper shaver despite the travel-friendly size.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I’m a bit confused about the p3 pro vs the Braun series 9 pro (not pro plus). I have the latter and its pretty decent for my 4-5 day beard (dry shave). Would the p3 pro improve either the cleanliness of the shave, the speed of getting a clean shave or the gentleness vs the Braun in any appreciable way?
If not, would the Panasonic Arc 5 or Arc 6 achieve any of these attributes?
Essentially, I am looking for a change from my Braun s9 pro.
Hi Sachin,
The S9 Pro is a more capable shaver than the P3 Pro in pretty much every aspect. I’d say the only area where the P3 Pro is ahead (if we’re comparing two shavers with brand new foil and blades) is the comfort; I find the P3 Pro a bit more forgiving, especially on the neck. But other than that, I don’t think you’ll see any improvements, especially when shaving a 5-day beard.
The Arc 5 and Arc 6 will generally shave closer than the Series 9 Pro, but you would need to shave more often because longer hairs are not as easily captured by the Panasonic foil systems. I think your shave would actually take longer, despite the Panasonic shavers having more blades.
So switching to Panasonic would be a good option if you were to also shave more often. Otherwise, the S9 Pro, maybe upgraded to the latest 96M cassette, would still be the best compromise.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your views and saving me some money! Appreciate your detailed insights.
You are very welcome, glad I could be of help.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for the insight review!
Thanks so much for the comment, glad the info was useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu, I enjoy and appreciate your detailed shaver reviews and insight. I am sure that a lot of people have benefited from your honest reviews.
Over the years I have had Braun foil shavers, Philishave rotary shavers and for the last 20 years 5 different Panasonic foil shavers; the latest being a Panasonic ES-LV65. The Panasonic shavers have consistently worked the best for me.
Lately I have noticed that Panasonic shavers are harder to find in stores here in Canada and they seem to sell mostly Phillishave and Braun shavers. I checked Amazon.ca and the Laifens aren’t available for Canada yet.
Keep up with the good work!
Ken,
Thank you so much for the comment, you’re very kind. Glad the info was useful.
Panasonic has been neglecting the North American market for some years. Things are a bit better in Europe, but not great. Many of the newer 6 and especially 5-blade shavers will probably never be officially released.
The P3 Pro can also be ordered from Laifen’s Canada website here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you for another incredibly thorough and insightful review.
I’m writing because I have a very specific shaving profile and would truly value your expert opinion on how the P3 Pro might fit in. My main challenges are a very sensitive neck and a significant amount of flat-lying hairs that grow in multiple directions. This combination has meant that, despite my wishes, I simply cannot shave daily and stick to an every-other-day schedule.
For years, my go-to has been the Braun Series 9. I’ve gone from older generations to the Series 7, 8, and for a long time now, the S9. (I even tried the Series 9 Pro+ cassette and returned to the standard 94M, as I find it the most forgiving on my neck).
Following your excellent reviews, I also imported the Panasonic LAMDASH PRO 6 (ES-L650U-K). After extensive testing, I find myself reaching for my trusted Braun Series 9 almost 10-to-1 over the Panasonic.
Here’s why, and this is the key to my question:
The S9 is simply far more forgiving and its head size and shape feel perfectly balanced for gliding over my specific neck contours and upper lip.
More importantly, I almost exclusively shave dry (using the pre-shave you recommended). I’ve found that when I shave wet in the shower, both machines seem to glide too easily and miss a lot of the flat-lying stubble on my lower neck. By shaving dry, I can see these stubborn hairs up close. This allows me to make the multiple, targeted passes needed to get a clean shave. The S9’s incredible forgiveness is essential for this multi-pass technique; attempting the same process with the Arc 6 just leads to irritation.
Given this context, your review of the Laifen P3 Pro’s “outstanding” comfort and effectiveness has me intrigued.
I have two specific questions for you:
1. Given my reliance on the Braun Series 9’s specific balance of forgiveness-for-multiple-passes and flat-hair-cutting-ability (on a 2-day beard), do you think the Laifen P3 Pro would actually offer a better experience for my unique case? Or does the S9’s specialized trimmer and head design still give it the edge for this difficult job, despite the Laifen’s a-plus comfort? (I rarely travel, so the compact size and lack of trimmer are not deciding factors for me).
2. I know you test everything, but if you were forced to choose only one shaver for your personal, everyday use between the Braun Series 9 Pro and this new Laifen P3 Pro, which one would you ultimately keep and why?
Thank you again for your fantastic work!
Hi,
Thank you for the kind comment, much appreciated. Those are some excellent questions.
1. I think you should still go with the Series 9. Lately I’ve been alternating between the P3 Pro and a Series 9 Pro (with a 94M cassette) a lot and I also generally shave every other day. The hairs on my neck stay flat on the skin as well, so I think there’s a lot of overlap between my use case and yours. The Series 9 is in my experience noticeably more effective at catching those neck hairs, it feels torquier despite the motor CPM rating being actually lower, and shaving with the S9 Pro takes me less time. I think the P3 Pro is actually a bit more comfortable, the foils are just so smooth and gentle even when I press harder. In that regard I find it more forgiving than the S9 (Pro).
However, I think you’ll be making a greater compromise to your overall shaving experience by going with the P3 Pro — even if it’s slightly more comfortable. The Braun Series 9 (Pro) is still the more capable shaver and, in your case, also the more suitable shaver. The P3 Pro deals remarkably well with those flat-lying hairs for a 3-blade shaver, but the Series 9 is still in my opinion in a league of its own (compared to other foil shavers, of course).
2. I would have to choose the Series 9 Pro. It’s faster and more effective at catching the difficult hairs, the closeness is at least as good (maybe slightly better) and the comfort still more than adequate for a majority of users. The skin on my neck is also very sensitive and prone to razor burn and bumps, but as long as I don’t apply excessive pressure, the Series 9 remains super comfortable.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu!
On the basis of your recent trusted advice and with the incentive of the (temporary?) rebate on Laifen’s website, I ordered the P3 and tried it this morning.
Excellent experience indeed, smooth and close shave, realised faster than with my Braun S9 Pro+ and, importantly for me, much quieter than the latter. My ears are grateful to both you and Laifen.
And what a beautiful industrial design!
I suppose I can use Braun’s spray to lubricate the device.
Thanks again for the excellent recommendation.
Be well and enjoy many many close shaves in the future!
Hey Avi,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this — that’s awesome, glad you like your P3 Pro.
The S9 Pro+ has a flexible head and the vibrations often act as an amplifier. The Laifen also has a smoother, rounder noise signature which I find easier on my ears. My shave takes less time when I use a Series 9 (Pro, PRO+) as I have lots of flat-lying hairs on my neck that grow in multiple directions, but the P3 Pro is no slouch either, and it’s quite impressive for a shaver with only 3 active cutters.
Enjoy your new P3 Pro! :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Laifen is have a Black Friday sale right now. This razor is on sale on their website as well as on Amazon.
Hey,
Thank you for the comment. I also listed the P3 Pro in my roundup of the best BF deals.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
Thoroughly enjoy your in depth and thoughtful reviews. I had ad to add the P3 Pro to my collection.
Like you I have a passion for electric razors, and have since I was a little boy watching my dad shave with his Remmington – although larger it was a very similar form factor as the P3 Pro!
Glad you are well and thank you for all you do for the shaving world. Take care
Dave
Hi Dave,
You are too kind, thank you so much for the comment. I think it’s a unique shaver that would make a really nice addition to any collection. Great remark by the way, the shape really does resemble the vintage Remingtons.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
I just came across this review and currently in the market for a small shaver to travel with as I will mostly likely be travelling twice or possible more a year. I’m trying to decide between the Panasonic Arc 5 or this P3 Pro. I’m leaning towards the P3 Pro as it looks better, cheaper and I have super sensitive skin. My hair is coarse, and I think I tend to have a lot of flat lying hair. Which would you recommend out of the two?
Thanks in advance!
Hi George,
In this case I think the P3 Pro has the edge. While not as powerful as the Arc 5, it does fair better with flat-lying hairs and it’s gentler as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for your reply. How much gentler is it? Is the Arc 5 noticeably harsher? I still want the closest shave I can get too.
You are very welcome.
The Palm Arc 5 with that new foil is noticeably gentler than the old Arc 5 shavers which were notoriously aggressive. This one is much gentler, even during a dry shave. It depends on how sensitive is your skin, but I’d say most users should be fine using it. I also have very sensitive skin, on my neck in particular, and I find it adequate, but not outstanding. If I press harder or go over an area many times it might sting or cause some redness. I found the P3 Pro to be gentler when doing so, it’s more forgiving and not as grabby.
The closeness of the Arc 5 is better on areas with dense and thick stubble, the skin feels smoother to the touch, though visually the difference isn’t that noticeable. If you shave often, so the stubble is still short, the flat-lying hairs shouldn’t be a problem for the Arc 5.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I hope you’re doing fine.
I saw Laifen T1 Pro on CNN a couple of days ago at a segment about black friday deals. They say it’s extremely light, so I thought it might be a good travel shaver, but first I wanted to see if you reviewed it and checked this website. I’m curious about how you will find it. But in the meantime, I learned about two great choices thanks to you, Laifen P3 and Panasonic Palm.
I think travel shavers was a category that has been neglected for a long time. I don’t remember how many of Braun’s pocket shavers I’ve had. They were quite pathetic in today’s standards. It’s good that things are moving finally. Maybe Braun also comes up with a new travel product, so there’ll be more alternatives.
Best,
erdem
Hi Erdem,
Thank you for the comment — I am very well, hope you are too.
I am yet to try the T1 Pro, but I know from previous experience that single-foil shavers are not the most capable and have some intrinsic limitations. They only work well on short, straight stubble and will struggle a lot to catch the more difficult hairs. I think the main strength of the T1 Pro is actually the trimmer head which along with the very slim and lightweight shaver body would make a great alternative to the Philips OneBlade. So it would be suitable for users who don’t need a close, skin level shave. The use of an exposed shearing blade will leave just a bit of stubble and can effectively cut longer and flat-lying hairs. But if you prefer a clean shave, I think you should probably skip the T1 Pro. The P3 Pro or the Palm would be much better options.
Braun travel shavers are generally underwhelming, to say the least. The only decent one I’ve used is actually the one that resulted from their collab with Xiaomi, but it’s difficult to source and sometimes it costs a lot.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Can you use a Apple charger brick to attach to the USB-C cable.
Any USB-C charger will work fine, so the answer is yes.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I have been interested in the electric razor idea for 40 years, never finding anything acceptable in terms of closeness. A few years ago I found your site and now I finally understand what is available, strengths and weaknesses etc. I did need to read some of the reviews multiple times to absorb all of the information you provide. I can’t thank you enough for what you do!
I have purchased this razor and love it. In the winter I get some razor burn on my neck in the same spot every year. Using this razor and the Jack Black Beard Lube that you recommended my result is good as a blade and not to extremely minimal irritation. I also have a Braun 9+ for which I purchased the 96M blade set from the UK. Unfortunately it causes too much neck irritation so I had to return to the 94M blades. I also purchased the latest Lamdash Pro 5 from Japan. That is an amazing razor. Close as a blade (in the shower with a good shaving cream) and very minimal to no irritation. My current all around favorite.
So, I have a number of razor options and cream combinations that work in all
seasons. All because of you. Thank you again.
Cheers,
Robert
Hi Robert,
Thank you so much for the comment, you’re very kind. I’m glad the info was useful.
The P3 Pro paired with the Jack Black Beard Lube is a fantastic combination.
To me the old 92s/b/m is still the most gentle Series 9 cassette, though I can use the newer ones (94M, 96M) without any major discomfort.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with these shavers, I appreciate it greatly.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My main concern is not bleeding as I am on Blood Thinner (Apixaban/Eloquis.
Is the P3 PRO very proficient at avoiding bleeding/cuts? It seems you are inferring that.
Hi Jeff,
The P3 Pro is among the more gentle and forgiving electric shavers I’ve used so far. That said, the risk of any nicks/cuts will greatly depend on a few factors and will vary from one user to another. Things like your shaving technique, skin type, coarseness of the hair will all come into play. For example, if small bits of skin tissue cling to the base of the hair, they could also poke through the foil and get scraped off/cut by the blades. This can happen with any shaver, especially if you press too hard. I think with proper technique most users should be fine with the P3 Pro — again in my experience it was super gentle and smooth, but I cannot say with certainty that other users will have the exact same experience. I am also not in any way qualified to assess the risks or give any advice in your particular case.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
In the cons, “pricey” was listed there. But I remember when it was launched it cost $200+ just to ship it into the US. And even now official price is $179.
But Amazon is now selling it at $139, and in China you could sometimes get it below $100. With its official price at $110 but you always get different discount even officially.
With that in mind, is it still pricy?
Because you mentioned the OG Series 7 and I thought $100 for something similar ( or may be better ? ) is a very good deal.
Hey,
That’s a great point. I paid the full price when I bought the shaver and at the time of writing the review there were no discounts available, none that I could find. But with the current deals, it’s definitely a great buy and it’s a lot of shaver for that money.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
hi,On which page can you find it from China?
Hi,
Check out this link.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Good day, Ovidiu.
What are the chances that Laifen comes out with a version of the P3 Pro Electric Shaver that is built differently in a regular and daily style as opposed to the current travel style?
Thank you.
Hey Peter,
Given how successful the P3 Pro has been so far, and considering the limitations that stem from its form factor, it would make sense for Laifen to design a more conventional shaver that can be fitted with a hair trimmer. That said, it totally depends on their roadmap/business strategy for the near future, so it’s really anyone’s guess at this time.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello, as always great review . I have tried a lot of head shavers and foil shavers that were reviewed very well by many others but did not satisfy me , including the new Phillips pro head shaver , so I was wondering if you think the laifen p3 pro (when under $150) or the Panasonic swipe right shaver would be the faster shaver and require less passes when head shaving , since I’m looking for an efficient foil shaver that is close and doesn’t take many passes when used on 2 days growth . I have ruled out the Panasonic arc 5 due to being less comfortable than most and shavers over $150 since they are above my budget.
Hi Luke,
Thank you so much, I appreciate it.
Can you tell me a few of the other head shavers you’ve tried and how they underperformed (too uncomfortable, not close enough, took too much time, etc.)? That way I’ll be able to give a more informed opinion on how the P3 Pro and the compact Panasonic would perform in comparison. The former is super comfortable and very capable for a 3-blade foil shaver, but it is heavy and slippery, so I don’t think it would be ideal as a head shaver. The Swipe right Panasonic is thinner and noticeably lighter, so in theory better suited for shaving the head.
I found the Arc 5 to be very comfortable (as a head shaver) except for the back of my head, you must be super careful and don’t press and rub too hard to avoid irritation. It is faster and shaves closer than the other two.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello, unfortunately the most disappointing one that didn’t perform as well as expected was the new Phillips head shaver 7000 , since it shaved no closer than the balder pro and took longer to get all areas smooth as it could be even using circular and back and forth movement , despite your and many other very positive experiences with the closeness and speed compared to other popular head shavers , and this makes me wonder if I received one with slightly dull blades or a defective motor. Another one I tried is the new hummingbird mk17 foil shaver , which gets very close but even straight out of the box and on a day of growth took too much going back over areas despite having a 9000 rpm setting and seemingly no negative reviews. The shpavver head shaver has many good reviews and is very affordable but I don’t think it would be any closer than the balder pro.
Hi Luke,
I’m very sorry about that — the Philips head shaver is usually a very safe option and even though the closeness isn’t class leading, in most cases it is easily good enough. While not impossible, a defective unit is very uncommon, so rotary head shavers probably just don’t work good enough for you. The Balder Pro, the Pitbull or any other similar shavers will probably perform more or less the same, which is why I don’t think you should try another one.
Very basic foil shavers, despite the punchy motors, tend to be that way — super slow at covering large surfaces like the scalp. It’s why I stopped recommending the Andis ProFoil as a viable alternative. Even though it shaved super close (it’s fitted with very thin foils), it’s just too laborious. These would be much better suited for detail work, like cleaning a fade or the top of the cheeks if you have a beard.
All things considered, I think a more advanced foil shaver will probably be the best bet. I would try the Panasonic Arc 5 Palm (ES-PV3A), it shaves super close, it’s easy to hold, there are two rollers between the foils, so it glides easily on the skin and it has arguably the best motor in the industry. The Braun Series 9 Pro/PRO+ head is even better suited for shaving the head, with excellent flexible blades, but you would use a conventional grip and the Arc 5 can shave a bit closer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you , that’s what I believe too , all big rotary shaver brands preform similarly , however with the Phillips you can remove the blades and test the sharpness by pressing very lightly with your finger , and they seemed to feel sharp enough . The Panasonic arc 3 travel version has been on sale for $80 , so would you recommend that as a fast shaver only taking a couple passes at that price? The ergonomics seem quite good for head shaving and the motor would likely be more powerful than most other budget shavers .
Or the arc 5 when it is on sale around $140 or even $120-$130!since the palm 5 and Braun series 3 are double the price?
Braun series 9*
Hi Luke,
The travel Arc 3 is a remarkable shaver for the price, but given it’s still a 3-blade shaver (entry-level Panasonic), I don’t think it’ll be enough to get a significant improvement in the time it takes to complete the shave vs let’s say a double foil shaver.
The regular Arc 5 is priced a lot lower than the Palm variation, but it is a large shaver and the models available in the USA come with an older foil version without the rollers. So it won’t glide as easily on the scalp (the foil can be upgraded later on though). If those aren’t deal-breakers compared to the Palm, the Arc 5 is a super capable shaver, just not as user-friendly when used as a head shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
That makes sense , thank you for yet another detailed informative reply . The Braun series 8 seems to be on sale at $150 at Best Buy instead of the usual $200-$220, which might be another good option for head shaving without too many passes for $150 or less.
Specifically the 8453cc model.
You are very welcome. At that price I would still consider the Series 9 a better pick than the Series 8, maybe a solo variant (without the station) or a Sport+ (9350cc, 9320cc) which usually sell for less other models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the suggestion. I know that this back and forth has gone for quite awhile , so I will wrap up and say that I’ve decided on the Panasonic swipe right since i still have a rotary head shaver I can use to shorten my hair within 3-4 minutes first , allowing the Panasonic to finish much faster than it would on a full day or 2 of growth , and I will not to spend nearly as on replacement foils and blades I would with the arc 5. I tried the new aberlite touch 2 foil shaver but even on just 24 hours of growth it took a significant amount of repetition to fully shave , so I’m going to see how the swipe right does after using a rotary in comparison .
Actually I would like to clarify fully before I purchase , do you think either the swipe right or Panasonic arc 5 could finish a head shave within 2 minutes assuming the Remington balder pro was used prior?
Hi Luke,
Two minutes is a very tough time to beat, so while it is possible since the hair is already very short, it’s rather unlikely if you want a super close finish. It also depends on a few factors, like your technique, tolerance to pressure and how smooth the shave must be to be deemed good enough. If someone is not very demanding regarding the latter, I think it can be done in two minutes.
The Arc 5 would of course come with an intrinsic advantage here since it’s more powerful and the cutting surface is a lot larger.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Thank you for the excellent review. My main shaver is Panasonic Arc 5 LV65. I have the P3 pro for about two weeks now to replace the braun mini which is under-power for a clean shave. I have to say the P3 Pro is a good choice as a traveller shaver. It shave close enough, very compact and is very comfortable indeed. Thank you again for all the great reviews.
Hey David,
Thank you so much for the comment. That is a great pair of shavers, and the P3 Pro complements your Arc 5 perfectly. Glad you’ve been enjoying it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I’ve been enjoying using the p3 pro shaver and haven’t gone back to my braun series 9 pro after that. However, i did purchase the 95M cartridge for the Braun on your recommendation and am hesitating to use that after using the p3 pro. Do you think i will have a better experience if I do that?
Also, my only gripe with the p3 pro is the lack of a longer handle to hold it as it gets a bit tiring to hold the rectangular block for slightly longer shaves.
The best part i enjoy is that there is zero hair pull.
Hey,
Glad you’re still enjoying the P3 Pro.
The 96M cassette shaves a bit closer than the previous revisions, but other than that, it’s not by any means a significant performance boost. So I doubt it would be a transformative upgrade (unless your current cassette is very worn out, in which case any Series 9 cassette would make a big difference).
The strain from gripping the handle is sadly an inherent downside of the form factor and weight of the shaver. It does make up for that with what is arguably one of the smoothest cutting action on any shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just come back from a business trip to China and I had to get one. Cost me about €85 for a nice dark blue one with a nice case. Loving it so far!
Dave,
Many thanks for the comment. You got an awesome deal. At that price, the P3 Pro + case is an absolute steal.
Happy shaving!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just bought one at their store in China. Their store looks professional and it is the look of the shaver caught my attention along their tooth brush and hair dryer. They offered me 20% off due to the lack of the colour I choose. No regrets after reading this review afterwards.
Hey,
Thanks so much for sharing this. Hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your P3 Pro.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu. First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on this project, it’s truly excellent. Then, I’d like to ask your opinion on which product to buy, specifically the P3 Pro. I usually trim my beard with a number 3 or 4 guard (so something between 10 and 15mm), mark a line on my neck, and then shave below it. My best experiences so far have been with foil shavers when I go to the barber, as using a razor blade leaves my skin very bad (redness, pimples, swelling, etc.), so I decided to invest in a good foil shaver for myself, probably using it in the shower with the recommended products, for a closer shave and healthier skin. Now I just need to choose which equipment best suits a user who has very sensitive neck skin, but who also has almost an OCD about a neck line drawn with millimeter precision and a BBS shave. In that regard, I was thinking about the P3 Pro, the 9 Pro+, the Arc6, and the Nevo. Could you give me your honest opinion? Thank you in advance for your availability and kindness. Best regards.
Hi Francisco,
Thank you so much for the kind words; I’m glad you found the site useful.
Before we get to the shavers, I should mention that for a straight, crisp beard line, your trimmer will have to do most of the work. That will be the foundation of a great result because any electric shaver, even a foil shaver with a single element, has a limitation in achieving the same effect if you push it straight to your beard boundary. Your T-outliner, or a zero-gapped trimmer that cuts very close to the skin, is the right tool for that. An exposed, thin blade will make crisp and precise cuts, while a foil shaver has a rounded element (or more) that will never offer that level of precision. IT would leave a soft line and will yank the hairs if you push it near that 10-15mm beard. It does shave really close below the line though, which is something your beard trimmer can’t do.
Getting back to the shavers, the Arc 6 is the one that shaves objectively the closest, but with the large head it may be cumbersome and maybe not ideal for this use case. The S9 PRO+ and Nevo are more conforming and manageable, and the closeness is definitely good enough, though not quite at the level of the Arc 6. Same for the P3 Pro, and also considering its form factor, weight and how slippery it is, using it in the shower for a very close shave is again not ideal.
Most barbers use a finishing double-foil shaver for this type of work; for example, the BaByLisPro FX2 or FX3. These shavers are a lot more nimble with two staggered foils and shave incredibly close, but they are NOT waterproof, so I guess they are out of the question.
They can be a bit aggressive though, as they shave very close and you have sensitive skin.
A Series 9 PRO+ will probably be the best compromise (ease of use, closeness, comfort, even price, at least when compared to the Nevo). There’s also a good possibility that the hairs stay flat on the skin or have different grain (that’s usually the case with the hair on the neck), and the Series 9 PRO+ is much better with those difficult hairs than the Arc 6, which struggles to capture them.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
What if I’m looking for a shaver for both face and head (I’m bald but some hairs are still showing). I’m shaving my face daily and my head every 2 or 3 days with rotary old Panasonic shaver Series 5000. I would happily use only one device for my face and head but I know that there are not many devices for that usage. I do think that foil shaver could far well for my usage and I like Laifen’s smaller size and USB-C charging. But I’m a bit skeptical about ergonomic, mostly on my head. Do you have some advice for me?
Hi Jan,
Electric shavers (rotary or foil) in this form factor are probably closest to what a face & head model would look like, and they’re probably a really good compromise.
You also shave often, which is ideal.
Now, if you’ve only been using that old rotary, switching to a foil shaver will take some getting used to. You would do straight strokes instead of circular motions and you’ll have to be a bit more mindful of the hair grain. But the shave should be noticeably smoother.
The P3 Pro is a capable machine if you don’t have a heavy beard (the hair on your head shouldn’t be a problem). That said, it is a heavy and slippery shaver.
A more capable (and grippier) option would be the Panasonic Arc 5 Palm; this one would be a great foil shaver to use on your face and head. It is noticeably faster and more powerful than the P3 Pro and I think it would work great. It is rather expensive though.
If you are still sold on the Laifen, check out the P3 (not the Pro), as it is lighter and has a non-metal body, so the grip should be better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu