- in Electric Shaving , Shaving by Jason Hall
Braun Series 5 vs. 7 - Comparing the Popular Electric Shaver Lines
The German-based company, Braun, has introduced a few lines of men's shavers over the past few decades.
One of the most reviewed, purchased and popular lines is the Series 7.
Another is a mid-range line that offers premium shaves at mid-range costs: the Series 5. I have reviewed the 5090cc, you can read it here.
This article will cover the two lines as a whole and compare them side by side. Features, options, upgrades and the pros and cons of each full line will help you determine which shaver line is the right one for you.
The Series 5 and Series 7 Models
Each series offers multiple models within its line up. Each one has slightly different features, looks or functionality.
You will note that the model numbers also include an alpha key: either S or CC. This indicates if that particular model includes a Cleaning Center (station) (CC) or if it does not (S).
Series 5 Models
Model | Shave | Clean Station | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
5030s (old series) | Dry | No | Black & Red |
5040s (old series) | Wet/Dry | No | Black & Blue |
5050cc (old series) | Dry | Yes (manual) | Black & Red |
5070cc (old series) | Dry | Yes (manual) | Black & Red |
5090cc (old series) | Dry | Yes (auto) | Black & Red |
5147s (new series) | Dry | No | Black |
5140s (new series) | Dry | No | Black & Blue |
5190cc (new series) | Wet/Dry | Yes (auto) | Black & Blue |
5197cc (new series) | Wet/Dry | Yes (auto) | Black |
Series 7 Models
Model | Shave | Clean Station | Shave Modes | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
720s | Dry | No | 3 | Black |
740s | Wet/Dry | No | 3 | Black |
760cc | Dry | Yes | 3 | Black |
790cc | Dry | Yes | 3 | Grey |
797cc | Wet/Dry | Yes | 5 | Grey |
799cc | Wet/Dry | Yes | 3 | Grey |
7893s | Wet/Dry | No | 5 | Silver |
7865cc | Wet/Dry | Yes | 5 | Grey |
7898cc | Wet/Dry | Yes | 5 | Silver |
7899cc | Wet/Dry | Yes | 5 | Silver |
Note: not all models are available in the U.S
Overview of Series 5 & 7
Besides the colors and a few features within the lineups being added or removed, the actual shaving performance within the series models is identical. Because the performance is the same for each line, this article will not compare specific models, instead focusing on the series as a whole.
1. Price
The lower range series 5 starts out at a lower price than the higher end series 7. However, the price difference is slight. Since Braun introduced the series 9, the series 7 prices have started to fall.
The real difference in price will come in the replacement parts. The shaver head cartridges are significantly cheaper in the series 5 line than they are in the series 7.
So, while you may not save a lot initially by purchasing a series 5 shaver, in the long run, you will save more based on the replacement parts.
2. Wet or Dry Shave
Both lines have models that are wet/dry shave capable. They also have models that are dry shave only.
If you plan to use your shaver in the shower, or with shaving gels or creams, you will need to buy a wet/dry model.
3. Cleaning Station
All of the series 7 cc models come with an automatic charging and cleaning station. The stations determine the hygiene level of the foils and select a cleaning mode for them. The series 5 cc models also have a charge and cleaning station. However, only the 5090cc, 5190cc and 5197cc are automatic.
The rest of the models only have one cleaning option, these stations are manual which means you need to press the clean button to start the process.
If you're planning to buy a wet/dry shaver, I recommend to get a model that has cleaning station it will make your life a lot easier.
4. Personalization Modes
Located near the power button on the series 7 models are two buttons labeled “+” and “-.” These allow you to select from either 3 or 5 (depending on model) levels of intensity. The design is meant for controlling the motor speed to adjust for sensitive skin (lower) to more thick or coarse hair (higher).
The motor does move faster, but there is no real evidence that the shaver does any more or less work. You will most likely find that you set it on the highest setting and leave it there.
The series 5 shavers do not have a personalization mode.
5. Accessories
With regards to the accessories, you will get a charging station and a single cleaning cartridge if you select a CC model or you won’t, if you select an S model.
Aside from that obvious detail, the series 5 models also come with a dry cleaning brush, the Smartplug power cord, and a plastic head cover.
The series 7 shavers come with the dry cleaning brush, Smartplug power cord and a travel pouch (either leather or hard-shelled vinyl).
The series 7 models each come with a travel pouch. The 799cc model has a premium leather pouch, and all other models have a hard-shelled vinyl pouch that will fit the shaver, power cord and cleaning brush.
The series 5 has two models that come with hard travel pouch: 5090cc and 5190cc. The other models come with a soft travel pouch.
6. Display
The series 7 models have an LCD screen on the bottom of the handle that tells you the battery charge level and the foil hygiene level. These will indicate when you need to charge your unit and when it is time to clean it.
The series 5 models have easy to read LED lights on the front of the handle that clearly displays the battery charge and hygiene level.
7. Color
Colors vary between models and series. The series 7 models are either silver, grey or black. The series 5 models are all black with either red or blue accents.
Face off - Series 5 vs 7
It's time for the series 5 vs series 7 face-off, I'll go over several categories and state the winner for each category.
1. User Experience 5 vs 7
Each series uses a similar head style. Two foil blades surround a central cutting bar.
The foils are designed for the shorter hair and stubble while the central bar picks up hair that likes to lay down and trims longer hairs to a size more manageable for the foils.
The result of this design style is a close, smooth shave down to 0.05 millimeters. Both the series 5 and 7 models shave almost identical. If you were to shave one side of your face with a series 7 and the other with a series 5 you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Shave Quality
The major difference comes with the Sonic Technology offered in the series 7 shavers.
This technology is meant to shave more efficiently by lifting hairs using micro-vibrations. With the Sonic Technology, the shaved head will vibrate up to 10,000 times per minute.
At a minimum, the vibrations do offer a slight massage which makes the shaving experience more enjoyable. However, shave quality over the series 5 is not noticeable.
Speed
The series 7 models also have a newer motor which is slightly quieter and operates faster.
When using a series 7 you can hear and feel the increase in speed, but it does have little effect on the overall shave. You will be able to shave a little faster with a series 7, but the quality will be about the same.
Personalization Modes
The series 7 also offers the personalization modes to adjust the shave for sensitive skin.
As mentioned before, this effect seems to have little to do with the overall quality of the shave. However, when it is in the highest setting, you will shave faster and easier than on lower settings. You will also be able to complete your shave faster than you will with a series 5 razor.
The series 7 wins based on the speed to complete a shave. The quality is the same, but you will spend less time shaving with the series 7 models.
2. Build and Design 5 vs. 7
The shave quality and speed are only part of the decision. You also want to get a shaver that is well designed, durable and reliable for years to come.
Build Quality
The series 5 models are larger than the series 7 and feel heftier in your hand.
The series 7 design was redone with a focus on ergonomics and reducing hand fatigue. The smaller, lighter series 7 models are still durable and rugged.
The series 5 models are designed using the same ergonomic and taper form that the new series 9 models use. It is a sleek design with a high-end premium look.
Both series 5 and 7 are durable and will last for many years, providing you don’t constantly drop them or neglect them.
Grip
The grip on the series 7 is accentuated with a rubber back that prevents slipping and maintains control. Even when wet or covered in shave gel, the grip holds up, and you never feel like it will be dropped.
You can easily maneuver the series 7 shavers and will have no problem gliding over the contours of your face.
The series 5 models have a tapered end that is also wrapped in rubber. The grip is firm and strong, even when wet. The series 5 units can be moved around easily and without any hand fatigue.
Design
The aesthetics of the series 7 are muted and mid-range compared to the series 5 that its design style is similar to the series 9 shavers. The series 5 looks like a premium shaver. The colors and finish are striking and bright where the series 7 seems more dull and bland.
The buttons on the series 7 are easily reached. However, the On/Off button is very small and can be hard to press. The series 5 only has the single On/Off button, and it is larger and more easily pressed to activate the shaver.
The series 7 also does not have a travel lock. Having a smaller, harder to press button doesn’t qualify. You could argue that the travel pouch prevents accidental pressing of the On/Off button but it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. The series 5 allows you to hold the power button for 3 seconds to activate the travel lock.
The display on the series 7 is on the bottom of the handle in an awkward position. In lower light, it is difficult to read. The series 5 models do not use an LCD screen and instead rely on easily read LED lights on the front of the unit.
Series 5 trimmer & travel lock
Trimmer
Both the series 5 and the series 7 models have a pop-up trimmer for maintaining sideburns and mustache lines. You can also use the trimmer to help take down beard overgrowth, but it isn’t recommended.
The pop-up trimmers have a slide button easily activated with the thumb while using the shaver.
On looks, finish and display readability the winner is the series 5. It is just a more premium design and feel.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance 5 vs. 7
The series 7 models that come with a cleaning station all use the automatic hygiene detection for selective cleaning. The station will determine the level of clean needed and start automatically.
The series 7 cleaners also have heat drying to remove the alcohol solution from the heads. The series 5 cleaners do not offer the heat cycle, and you need to wait up to 4 hours for the solution to dry naturally.
Of the series 5 cleaning stations, only the 5090cc, 5190cc and 5197cc has the three-stage detection like the series 7 cleaning stations do. The others only have one cleaning mode.
The overall look and design of the series 7 cleaning stations is also better and they have smaller size, so if you don't have too much free space take that into consideration.
Series 5 Cleaning Station
Series 7 Cleaning Station
The series 7 cleaning stations look better, are smaller and perform better than the series 5 stations.
Which Series Should You Buy?
If you are looking for a sleek design shaver with high performance and only need a dry shaver, then the series 5 models will be the right choice for you. You will save a little money up front and a lot more in the long run with replacement heads costing less than series 7 cartridges.
If you want a faster shave, with a quieter machine, then the series 7 models might be the choice for you. If you desire faster cleaning cycles, smaller counter space occupancy, and premium shaves then the series 7 units will better serve your purposes over the series 5.
Either way you decide to go you will have a close, comfortable shave without the irritation and redness.
Ergonomically designed shavers that do their job reliably and efficiently can be found in both series, both the series 5 and series 7 models are excellent choices.
