February 8, 2018

Braun Series 7 Comparison: 790cc vs 760cc vs 799cc vs 797cc vs 7865cc

Braun’s bestselling Series 7 line of electric shavers for men is one of the best in terms of performance and value on the market today.

The down side is it's VERY hard to tell the differences between models - they all look a like and you can't tell which one has what. 

This is why I've decided to write a guide that will list and compare ALL the series 7 models.

I'm sure it'll help you find the right model for your shaving needs.

All About Series 7

The Series 7 from Braun is a great line of shavers that will meet the needs of most men.

Depending on the model you get, you’ll also get some terrific features. Of course, you’ll most likely pay more for all the bells and whistles, but it’s important for each consumer to understand what’s available.

Since it lunch more than seven years ago, the series 7 shavers quickly became one of the best-selling electric shavers of all time. Users loved the comfort and close shave the series offered, but they also loved the affordably priced extras, such as replacement shaving heads, great cleaning stations, and solid build quality.

Since then Braun has released the Series 9 line, but Series 7 product line is still a best seller. Essentially, it is a great option for people with sensitive skin or for people looking for a trimmer that will last for years while providing a close yet comfortable shave. In fact, the combination of consistently high reviews (and lots of them!) combined with a mid-range price point makes this product line very attractive.

With so many models, however, you’ll need to know what’s what. I’m breaking things down for you today, loosely classifying models into the “old” Series 7 and the new Series 7. Take a look:

It's not that old!

The 'Old' Series 7

Series 7 was lunched in 2010, I'll refer it as 'the old series 7'. The model numbers in this series are:

  • 790cc​​​​
  • 799cc
  • 797cc​​​​
  • 760cc
  • 740s
  • 720s

These models have a fairly wide range in terms of available features. I will go over them later on.

The old series 7 had very few problems with it. The main problem was the head locking mechanism which was prone to breaking. Some users tend to apply large amounts of force in efforts to get better shaves (thanks, no doubt, to a misguided belief that pressing harder will result in a better shave) and this caused the problems that have been largely fixed in the new Series 7.

Aside from that, there were no major problems with the old series 7 shavers.

There's no other way to say it, they're just GOOD.

The New Series 7

To be honest, there aren’t actually that many differences between the newer and older Series 7 models, other than the new-addressed problems I mentioned earlier.

In fact, you’ll have problem finding some of the older versions at this point, as they’ve largely been discontinued.

The newer models were introduced in 2016 and thanks to odd numerical naming, the terminology is fairly confusing. However, the new models can be used for wet and dry shaving while in the older Series 7 there were dry only and wet/dry variations.

The new model numbers are:

  • ​7865cc​​​​
  • 7899cc
  • 7898cc
  • 7893s

The Differences Between the Models

Essentially, the shaving quality is the same for all the models in the series. The main difference in each model is the features.

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

Series 7 Model Numbers & Format

One thing is clear, Braun didn't go easy on us with the model numbers. The good news is that once you get the idea behind them you'll be able to tell a lot just by looking at the model number.

Here's how to differentiate between the new and old series 7 models:

  • New Series 7 models have 4 digits that follow the pattern: 78xx. 
  • Old Series 7 models have 3 digits.

Sometimes model numbers have an addition to the model number. The -x addition specifies a newer iteration of the same model, with minor changes. For example 7899cc-4 is the fourth iteration.

If you're wondering about the 's' and 'cc' in the model number it's pretty simple.
'cc' stands for cleaning center, models that have 'cc' come with a cleaning station. Models with 's' don't come with a cleaning station.

Available Colors

There are only three color options available for the Series 7: grey, black, and silver.

  • Grey: 790cc, 799cc, 797cc, 7865cc
  • Black: 760cc, 720s, 740s
  • Silver: 7899cc, 7898cc, 7893s

Wet/Dry Shave

One of the great things about many of the Series 7 razors is that many are constructed so that they are sealed and can be used for dry shaving or wet shaving.

  • Wet / Dry: 790cc, 799cc, 797cc, 7865cc
  • Dry Only: 720s, 790cc, 760cc
  • Black: 760cc, 720s, 740s
  • Silver: 7899cc, 7898cc, 7893s

The dry shave models tend to be cheaper, something to consider if you know you won’t be using shaving creams with your electric shaver.

Easy Self-Cleaning Stations?

As I mentioned earlier, the cleaning stations are fantastic bonuses and help with the daily maintenance of owning an electric shaver.

All the models we’re talking about here come with the cleaning station-- as I explained earlier, the “cc” designates this.

Keep in mind that if you see an “s” in any Braun series name, this designates no cleaning station; you won’t be able to use them with a cleaning station later. So if you're thinking about buying one and then buy a cleaning station separately later it won't work.

The cleaning stations included on all cc models are very popular with users, though some complain about needing to replace the cleaning cartridges. To utilize your cleaning station, just place your just-used trimmers head down into the station (it will usually tilt to one side--that’s normal!). The cleaning cartridge kicks in, using an alcohol-based cleaning solution and sometimes heat to clean and sanitize your device. 

Please note that the 760cc does lack a quick clean mode (available on all others models discussed here), as well as the automatic cleaning function and hygiene indicator.

Shave Modes & Personalization

In addition to cleaning stations, Braun is also noted for its great shave from its Series 7.

Part of what contributes to that great shave is the fact that each model offers multiple modes for shaving. 797cc and 7865cc offer five shave settings from sensitive to turbo, but the rest of the models (790cc, 760cc, and 797cc) each offer three modes.

Every Series 7 model includes what Braun calls “Sonic technology,” which reads and adapts to your face. There are over 30,000 cross-cutting actions per minute.

Shave Modes & Personalization

In addition to cleaning stations, Braun is also noted for its great shave from its Series 7.

Part of what contributes to that great shave is the fact that each model offers multiple modes for shaving. 797cc and 7865cc offer five shave settings from sensitive to turbo, but the rest of the models (790cc, 760cc, and 797cc) each offer three modes.

Every Series 7 model includes what Braun calls “Sonic technology,” which reads and adapts to your face. There are over 30,000 cross-cutting actions per minute.

Pricing

There’s only a thirty dollar or so range across models. Once you’ve shopped around online to find the lowest prices across retailers, it comes down to which model will work best for your particular needs.

Miscellaneous Details

A few other details that are worth noting for particular models: all of these discussed today come with a plastic, zippered travel pouch (the 790cc actually comes with premium leather pouch).

All will warn you when the battery is low with a warning light, but the 790cc and the 7865cc both have a five-minute quick charge. All models will charge fully in one hour with up to a fifty minute shave time. Warranties on each are also standard (two years).

Choosing the Best Model for Your Needs

Now that I’ve given you a basic overview of the Braun Series 7 shavers, here are a few more things you should keep in mind when choosing the right model for you.

“For you” is the key here--since shaving quality is the same across the models, you need to decide which features make the most sense for you.

Dry or Wet Shave?

If you already have a preference, your decision here will be straightforward, but if you’re new to the world of electric shavers, here’s what you need to know:

roughly speaking, if you have sensitive skin or like to shave in the shower, you want a razor that can handle wet shaving. If you never want to use shaving gel or any kind of water when you shave, you can opt for the (often cheaper) dry shaving only models.

The models that don't support wet/dry shave are: 720s, 760cc, 790cc.

Cleaning Station

All of the models that come with a cleaning station have the same station except the 760cc model.

This means that the one thing you’ll need to consider is whether you want the pared-down version that comes with the 760cc (lacks a quick clean mode, automatic cleaning function and hygiene indicator).

Ask yourself if you need the cleaning station, consider the following: 

  • Do you prefer to manually clean your razor?
  • Will you clean and sanitize it on a regular basis?
  • Are you OK with buying the cleaning cartridges? 4 pack will last for about a year and costs 25$

Budget

Again, there’s not a huge price range, but you’ll definitely be spending around the range of: 130-260 dollars for any of these shavers.

Of course, that definitely makes price a consideration when you’re deciding whether or not you want to purchase a Series 7! I think you can feel very confident, however, that your shaver will last beyond five years. Once you’ve amortized your investment over those five years, suddenly the price looks extremely low.

Features

Features are fairly straightforward across this category, but if you like bells and whistles, you’ll probably love the 7865cc with its premium leather travel case and its quick five-minute recharge.

Mini Battles - Comparing Series 7 Models

It’s time for a model showdown! Below are some of the most popular choices, squaring off to help you decide which is best for you.

790cc vs 797cc vs 799cc

The 790cc and the 799cc are the best-selling in this Braun series.

The biggest difference between them is that 790cc is not wet/dry. So if you're looking for a dry shaver then it's an easy decision go for the 790cc.

The cleaning station is the same for these three models.

If you're looking for a wet/dry shaver then you can choose the 797cc or 799cc, these models are very similar, the difference is that 797cc has 5 shaving modes, while 799cc has 3 modes.

I recommend buying the cheaper model between the two.

790c vs 760cc

In the past, the 760cc was a cheaper alternative to the 790cc.

The only material difference was the cleaning station (no auto cleaning function, quick clean mode, or hygiene indicator) so for the budget-minded person, that was a great value. Today, the prices are much more in line, which means that the 790cc, with its upgraded cleaning station, leather travel case, and LCD is the better buy.

790cc vs 799cc vs 7865cc

The questions you have to ask yourself for this battle are: do you want to shave wet or dry? If wet, do not go with the 790cc. Do you want an extra two (almost negligible) speed settings? Go with the 7865cc. Otherwise, all three models are virtually identical.

7865cc vs 797cc

Both models feature the upgraded five-speed setting option and can be used wet or dry.

the 7865cc is the new series 7, so it's just a newer model. Basically it just boils down to which model you can get at the lowest price.

What’s Right for You?

Thanks to some great design on the part of Braun, you’ve got five really terrific models in the Series 7 to choose from. Shaving heads are identical across all five models, and except for the 760cc, all come with fully decked-out cleaning stations.

Hopefully, I’ve been able to clarify some of the minor differences and help you understand which model is right for you. Frankly, I don’t think you can pick a loser here.

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