Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver — Review

The Quick Take

The Braun Series 9 Pro is as close as electric shaving gets to the result you'd expect from a fresh blade. It's fast, remarkably comfortable, and handles tricky areas — jaw, neck, chin — with a confidence that budget foil shavers simply can't match. The five-shaving-element head and 10D Syncro Sonic flex system are the real difference-makers here. The catch? It's painfully expensive, and the long-term running costs add up.

What We Like

What We Don't

Who's It For?

The Series 9 Pro is for men who shave frequently — daily or every other day — and for whom the quality of that shave genuinely matters. It's especially good for those with sensitive skin who've struggled with razor burn from wet shaving; the foil system paired with the flex head is noticeably gentler than blades on problem skin. It also suits men with dense, fast-growing, or coarse beards who've found mid-range electric shavers leaving patches or requiring multiple passes. If you're a casual shaver who only touches up once or twice a week, the Series 7 is more than sufficient and will save you a chunk of money.

How To Use

For the best result, shave on clean, dry skin with short, circular motions rather than long strokes — this allows the multi-directional flex head to work as designed and ensures hairs are picked up from multiple angles. Apply gentle, consistent pressure; the Series 9 doesn't need to be pressed hard to cut closely. For wet shaving, apply a thin layer of foam or gel and use Turbo mode for faster, more aggressive cutting through longer stubble. Clean the head by rinsing under warm water after each use and run the SmartCare Centre clean cycle weekly. Replace foil and cutters every 18 months to maintain close-shave performance.

Alternatives & Comparisons

The Series 9 Pro occupies the premium tier of electric shaving alongside some strong rivals:

Value for Money

At £250–£350 for the shaver — plus £40–£55 every 18 months for replacement foil and cutters — the Series 9 Pro is genuinely expensive. That said, compared to a quality cartridge razor habit (Gillette Fusion blades run £20–£30 per month for regular shavers), the maths can work in the Series 9's favour over three to four years. The SmartCare Centre bundle is worth the extra if you want completely hands-off maintenance — auto-cleaning, drying, and lubricating the head. Look for Amazon Lightning Deals or Braun's own sale events, when prices regularly drop £50–£80 below RRP.

The Verdict

The Braun Series 9 Pro is the "buy once, cry once" choice for electric shaving — and it largely earns that reputation. The shave is genuinely impressive, the comfort on daily use is hard to match, and the build quality feels like something that will last five-plus years with proper maintenance. The main argument against it is that the Series 7 exists at a significantly lower price and does the job very well for most men. If you shave every day, have a demanding beard, or get irritation easily, the Series 9 Pro is worth every penny of the premium. If you shave casually or have an average beard, the Series 7 is the smarter buy.

Where to Buy

Often discounted on Amazon, particularly during sales events. For eBay, check condition carefully (new vs. refurbished) and confirm seller warranty terms before purchasing.