Braun Series 8 Vs. 9: In-Depth Differences

As a 40-year-old guy who shaves daily, I’ve tested countless electric shavers, but Braun’s Series 8 and Series 9 stand out as premium contenders.

I put both through their paces to see which delivers the closest, most comfortable shave for my sensitive skin.

This article breaks down my experience, their key features, pros, cons, and a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.

Grab a coffee, and let’s figure out which shaver deserves a spot in your grooming routine!

Comparison Table: Braun Series 8 Vs. Series 9

My Experience with Braun Series 8

I started with the Braun Series 8 (8567cc), eager to see if it could handle my daily stubble and sensitive neck.

The sleek, matte-black design felt solid yet light in my hand, and the 40° swiveling head glided smoothly over my jawline.

Its three cutting elements—two foils and a middle trimmer—delivered a close shave in about four minutes, tackling my one-day growth with ease.

The 30,000 cutting actions per minute gave it decent power, though I needed a few extra passes under my chin.

The cleaning station was a game-changer, keeping the shaver hygienic with a single button.

I tried wet shaving with gel, and it felt gentle, with no irritation.

The battery lasted through a week of shaves, and the five-minute quick charge saved me during a rushed morning.

My only complaint?

The slide-up trimmer felt clunky for sideburns.

You’ll love its value and comfort, but it’s not perfect for longer beards.

My Experience with Braun Series 9

Next, I tested the Braun Series 9 Pro (9477cc), the brand’s flagship with a premium price tag.

Its chrome and gold accents screamed luxury, and the four cutting elements—two foils, a ProLift trimmer, and a Direct & Cut trimmer—felt like a powerhouse.

With 40,000 cutting actions per minute, it mowed through three-day stubble in under three minutes, leaving my skin velvety smooth.

The ProTrimmer was a standout, precisely shaping my mustache without pulling.

I used it in the shower with foam, and it was gentle on my sensitive neck, no redness in sight.

The PowerCase was a travel lifesaver, adding 50% more battery life.

Downside?

The price stung, and replacement heads cost more than Series 8’s.

You’ll feel like a grooming king, but your wallet might flinch.

What Makes Braun Series 8 Stand Out

The Series 8 (models starting with 84xx or 85xx) is Braun’s mid-to-high-end option, balancing performance and price.

Its three cutting elements include two OptiFoils for close shaving and a middle trimmer for longer hairs.

The 40° swiveling head adapts to facial contours, and a lockable precision switch helps target tricky spots like under the nose.

With 30,000 cutting actions per minute, it’s powerful for daily shaves.

The 60-minute battery and wet/dry capability make it versatile, and some models include a SmartCare Center for easy cleaning.

You’ll appreciate its ergonomic grip and affordability, though it struggles with thicker beards.

What Makes Braun Series 9 Stand Out

The Series 9 (93xx, 94xx Pro, 95xx Pro+) is Braun’s top-tier shaver, designed for power and precision.

Its four cutting elements, including a ProLift trimmer and titanium-coated Direct & Cut trimmer, handle one-to-seven-day beards with 40,000 cutting actions per minute.

The 10-D flexible head contours perfectly, and the AutoSense technology adjusts power for beard density.

It’s waterproof, with a 60-minute battery and a PowerCase for travel.

The SmartCare Center cleans, lubricates, and charges effortlessly.

You’ll love its speed and comfort, but the premium price and costly cassettes are considerations.

How They Fit Into My Routine

I used the Series 8 for daily morning shaves, dry or with gel, and it fit seamlessly into my quick routine.

The cleaning station made maintenance a breeze, and the battery lasted through busy weeks.

I’d grab it for work-from-home days when I needed a reliable, no-fuss shave.

The Series 9 was my go-to for travel or when I skipped a few days of shaving.

Its PowerCase kept it charged on a weekend trip, and the ProTrimmer was perfect for detailing.

You’ll find the Series 8 great for consistency and the Series 9 ideal for versatility.

Key Features of Braun Series 8

The Series 8 (~$200-$270) offers three cutting elements (two foils, one trimmer) with 30,000 cutting actions per minute.

Its 40° swiveling head locks for precision, and the wet/dry design suits all shaving styles.

A 60-minute battery with a five-minute quick charge ensures reliability.

Some models include a SmartCare Center and travel case.

The ergonomic design and SkinGuard bar enhance comfort for sensitive skin.

You’ll enjoy its balance of performance and price, though it’s less powerful for longer stubble.

Key Features of Braun Series 9

The Series 9 (~$300-$380) boasts four cutting elements, including a ProLift trimmer, delivering 40,000 cutting actions per minute.

The 10-D flexible head and AutoSense technology adapt to your beard, ensuring a close shave.

It’s waterproof, with a 60-minute battery and PowerCase for travel.

The SmartCare Center simplifies maintenance, and the ProTrimmer excels for detailing.

You’ll feel the premium power, but the higher cost and replacement head prices are notable.

Pros of Braun Series 8:

• Affordable price: Starts at ~$200, cheaper than Series 9.
• Comfortable shave: Gentle on sensitive skin, no irritation.
• Three cutting elements: Handles daily stubble effectively.
• 60-minute battery: Lasts a week of daily shaves.
• Quick charge: Five minutes for one shave.
• Wet/dry use: Versatile for foam, gel, or dry shaving.
• SmartCare Center: Easy cleaning on select models.
• Ergonomic grip: Lightweight, easy to maneuver.
• Lockable head: Precision for hard-to-reach areas.
• Travel case: Protects shaver on the go.

Cons of Braun Series 8:

• Less powerful: 30,000 CPM struggles with thicker beards.
• Curved trimmer: Clunky for sideburns or detailing.
• Three elements: Less effective for longer stubble.
• SkinGuard ambiguity: No clear impact on performance.
• Replacement heads: ~$40-$60, not cheap.
• No PowerCase: Lacks Series 9’s travel charging.
• Accidental unlocking: Thumb switch can slip.
• Not for weekly shaves: Struggles with seven-day growth.
• Limited accessories: Fewer options than Series 9.
• Availability: Replacement parts can be hard to find.

Pros of Braun Series 9:

• Powerful performance: 40,000 CPM tackles one-to-seven-day beards.
• Four cutting elements: ProLift and Direct & Cut trimmers excel.
• Close shave: Cuts hairs below 0.05mm for smooth results.
• Comfortable: Gentle on sensitive skin, no redness.
• ProTrimmer: Precise for sideburns and mustaches.
• AutoSense technology: Adjusts power for beard density.
• PowerCase: Adds 50% battery life for travel.
• SmartCare Center: Cleans, lubricates, and charges.
• Waterproof: Ideal for shower use with foam or gel.
• Premium design: Sleek chrome and gold accents.

Cons of Braun Series 9:

• Expensive: $300-$380, a premium investment.
• Costly replacements: Cassettes cost $50-$70.
• Heavy PowerCase: Bulky for travel despite utility.
• Complex head: Four elements harder to clean manually.
• No USB charging: Relies on proprietary charger.
• Overkill for daily: Extra power not needed for light stubble.
• Availability: Pro+ models scarce in some regions.
• Learning curve: Features may overwhelm new users.
• Battery display: Basic LED, not as detailed as expected.
• Warranty: Standard two years, extendable with registration.

I love the Series 8 for its budget-friendly reliability and smooth daily shaves, perfect for my sensitive skin.

The Series 9’s power and precision blow me away, especially for longer stubble or travel.

You’ll pick the Series 8 for value and the Series 9 for top-tier performance, depending on your budget and needs.

Maintenance Tips for Braun Series 8 and Series 9

• Store dry: Keep in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
• Clean regularly: Use the SmartCare Center or brush manually.
• Replace cassettes: Swap every 18 months for optimal performance.
• Lubricate blades: Cleaning station solution or oil extends life.
• Charge fully: Avoid partial charges to maintain battery health.
• Lock for travel: Use safety lock to prevent accidental activation.
• Dry after wet use: Prevents corrosion in shaving head.
• Check foil wear: Inspect for nicks to avoid skin irritation.
• Use original parts: Ensure compatibility with Braun cassettes.
• Wipe exterior: Clean grip to maintain sleek appearance.

I clean my Series 8 with the SmartCare Center daily and store it in its travel case.

For the Series 9, I use the PowerCase on trips and brush the head weekly.

You’ll want to clean regularly and replace cassettes on time to keep both shavers performing like new.

Comparison with Other Brands

• Braun Series 8 Vs. Panasonic Arc 5

The Panasonic Arc 5 (~$200) uses five cutting elements and 14,000 CPM for a close shave.

I found it more aggressive than the Series 8, causing slight irritation on my neck.

Its pop-up trimmer was sharper but less ergonomic.

You’ll choose the Arc 5 for closeness, but Series 8 is gentler and has a better cleaning station.

• Braun Series 8 Vs. Philips Norelco Series 9000

Philips Norelco Series 9000 (~$250) is a rotary shaver with three heads.

I tested it; it’s great for wiry hairs but less precise on sensitive skin.

The Series 8’s foil design outperformed it for daily shaves.

You’ll pick Philips for coarse beards, but Series 8 for comfort.

• Braun Series 9 Vs. Panasonic Arc 6

The Panasonic Arc 6 (~$350) boasts six cutting elements and 84,000 CPM.

I found it slightly closer than the Series 9 but harsher on my neck.

The Series 9’s ProTrimmer and PowerCase gave it an edge for travel.

You’ll go for Arc 6 for raw power, Series 9 for versatility.

• Braun Series 9 Vs. Philips Norelco Prestige

Philips Norelco Prestige (~$300) offers rotary blades and a sleek design.

I liked its comfort on coarse hair but found it less effective under my chin.

The Series 9’s foil and AutoSense technology delivered a smoother shave.

You’ll choose Prestige for rotary fans, Series 9 for precision.

Performance Across Use Cases

The Series 8 excels for daily shavers with light-to-medium beards.

I used it for one-day stubble, and it was quick and gentle, though it needed extra passes for three-day growth.

The Series 9 handled a seven-day beard effortlessly, cutting through thick stubble in fewer strokes.

For wet shaving, both performed well, but the Series 9 felt faster.

You’ll love the Series 8 for routine shaves and the Series 9 for longer stubble or travel.

Build Quality and Ingredients

The Series 8’s matte-black body is sleek and ergonomic, with a rubberized grip for control.

Its three-element head is simpler but effective, though the trimmer feels dated.

The Series 9’s chrome accents and four-element head, including titanium-coated trimmers, feel premium.

Both are waterproof and German-made, designed to last seven years.

You’ll appreciate the Series 8’s value and the Series 9’s luxurious build, but both are top-notch.

Who Should Use These Shavers?

The Series 8 is perfect for daily shavers with sensitive skin or those on a budget.

It’s ideal if you want a reliable, comfortable shave without splurging.

The Series 9 suits those with thicker beards, longer stubble, or a love for premium features like the PowerCase.

If you travel often or need versatility, Series 9 is your pick.

You’ll choose based on your shaving frequency and budget.

Safety and Precautions

Patch-test wet shaving to avoid irritation, especially with sensitive skin.

Clean after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.

Store in a dry case to avoid moisture damage.

Use Braun’s cleaning solution to maintain blades.

Check for foil tears to avoid cuts.

You’ll want to follow these steps to keep your shaver safe and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

After weeks of testing, the Braun Series 9 ($300-$380) wins for its powerful, close shave and premium features like the ProTrimmer and PowerCase.

The Series 8 ($200-$270) is a fantastic value for daily shavers with sensitive skin.

Pick the Series 8 for budget-friendly reliability or the Series 9 for top-tier performance.

Your face will thank you for choosing either, but the Series 9 is my grooming hero!