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Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver vs Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver

Both are top-tier foil shavers, but they suit different faces. The Panasonic ARC5 is the better pick for most people: five nano-polished blades, a 16-direction flex head, a beard-density sensor and 50 minutes of wet/dry runtime make it fast and comfortable on sensitive skin. The Braun Series 8 is the stronger choice for dense, coarse beards and for anyone who wants a cleaning dock, with four cutting elements plus a precision trimmer and a 60-minute runtime. Owners of both report close shaves and solid build; the ARC5 is generally praised for gliding over the jaw and neck, while the Series 8 is praised for cutting through heavy growth in fewer passes.

  • Choose the Panasonic ARC5 if you shave daily, have sensitive or uneven skin, and want a flexible head, a beard sensor and full wet/dry use in the shower.
  • Choose the Braun Series 8 if your beard is dense or coarse, you prefer a cleaning and charging stand, and you want the longer runtime.

Prices

  • Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver: $179.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
  • Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver: $149.95 at eBay (checked today)
  • Difference: the Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver is $30.04 cheaper than the Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Panasonic
ARC5 Advanced 5-Blade Men's Electric Shaver

Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver

ARC5 Advanced 5-Blade Men's Electric Shaver

4.7(19 ratings)
$179.99at AmazonChecked Nov 9
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Pros
  • Five blades and a fast linear motor give quick, close passes
  • 16-direction flex head follows the jaw, chin and neck
  • Beard sensor adjusts power to beard density
  • Full wet/dry use, including in the shower
  • Pop-up trimmer for sideburns and mustache
Cons
  • Shorter 50-minute runtime
  • No cleaning or charging dock in the box
  • Head and foil replacements add upkeep
Braun
Braun Series 8 Electric Razor for Men, Electric Shaver, Charging Stand, 8517s

Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver

Braun Series 8 Electric Razor for Men, Electric Shaver, Charging Stand, 8517s

$149.95at eBayChecked 5 h ago
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Pros
  • Four elements plus a precision trimmer handle dense growth
  • Longer 60-minute runtime
  • Charging stand keeps it charged and stored upright
  • Made in Germany with a solid, weighty build
  • Close and gentle on coarse beards, per owners
Cons
  • Less head articulation than the ARC5
  • No beard-density sensor
  • Marketed as dry use despite wet/dry labeling
  • No written warranty listed

What separates them

Panasonic ARC5 Electric ShaverBraun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver
Cutting systemFive nano-polished blades at a 30° angle, 70,000 cross-cuts per minuteFour cutting elements plus a precision long-hair trimmer
Head movementMulti-Flex head pivots in 16 directionsFixed flexing head with less articulation
Beard sensorIntelligent sensor boosts and cuts power with beard densityNo density sensor; constant motor output
Runtime50 minutes per charge, 1-hour charge60 minutes per charge
Wet/dryWaterproof; shave dry or with gel, in or out of the showerListed as wet and dry, but sold as a dry-use razor
Cleaning and chargingAC adapter charging; no dock includedCharging stand included in the kit
TrimmerBuilt-in pop-up trimmerPrecision long-hair trimmer built into the head
DisplayLED displayLED display

Price history

$219.97$179.99
Nov 9Nov 10
  • Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver: lowest $179.99 on Nov 9 at Amazon.
  • Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver: lowest $218.77 on Nov 9 at Instacart; $219.97 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver

  • Shop Panasonic USANew

    In stockReturn policy

    $209.99Checked 38 min ago
    Visit Shop Panasonic USA
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $179.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon
All 2 stores and price history →

Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $219.97Checked 5 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • BRS BatteryNew

    In stock

    $354.69Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit BRS Battery
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by buysellsave-llc (100% positive, 3,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $149.95Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $219.97Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecPanasonic ARC5 Electric ShaverBraun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver
Wet/dry useYesDry Use
Number of blades5—
Blade angle30° Nano-polished Japanese Stainless Blades—
Motor speed14,000 CPM—
Cross cuts per minute70,000—
Head flexibilityMulti-Flex 16D Head—
Pop-up trimmerYes—
LED displayYes—
Charging time1H—
Usage time50 min.—
Charging systemAC Adapter—
Dimensions170× 75× 60 mm—
Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPanasonic ARC5 Electric ShaverBraun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver
Electric shaver type—Foil
Brand—Braun
Power type—Corded Electric
Body part—Face
Product multifunction descriptor—Wet & Dry Electric Shaver
Color—Silver
Color category—Silver
Has written warranty—No
Manufacturer—Procter & Gamble
Size

What reviewers say

Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver

  • 4.7 / 519 ratings

Owners rate it 4.7 out of 5 and mostly praise the closeness and speed of the five-blade head on heavy beard growth. Complaints center on neck irritation and the cost of replacement blades.

What people mention
  • ClosenessPraisedOwners say the five-blade head gets very close on thick growth with fewer passes.
  • Head flexibilityPraisedThe 16-direction pivoting head is said to follow the jaw and neck well.
  • Skin irritationCriticisedSome users report redness and irritation on the neck, especially with pressure.
  • NoiseMixedThe linear motor is fast but noticeably loud at full speed.

Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver

Owners generally praise the Series 8 for a close, comfortable shave on thick beards and for its long battery life. Complaints center on the bulky head, the lack of a cleaning dock in this version, and the price of replacement parts.

What people mention
  • Shave closenessPraisedOwners say it cuts close on dense beards and leaves little stubble after a few passes.
  • Skin comfortPraisedMany report less irritation on the neck than with rotary shavers.
  • Battery lifePraisedThe 60-minute runtime covers a week or more of daily shaving on one charge.
  • Head sizeCriticisedThe bulky head makes it awkward around the nose and jawline.

Questions and answers

Which is better for sensitive skin?
The ARC5. Its 16-direction flex head and beard sensor reduce pressure and power on thin patches, which most sensitive-skin shavers find gentler. The Series 8 is close and comfortable but has a stiffer head.
Which handles a dense beard better?
The Braun Series 8. Its four elements plus precision trimmer cut heavy growth in fewer passes. The ARC5 is quick but its five-blade head works best on normal to medium growth.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Series 8, at 60 minutes versus 50 for the ARC5. Both charge in about an hour, and the Series 8 adds a charging stand.
Can I shave in the shower with both?
Yes with the ARC5, which is fully waterproof for wet or dry use. The Series 8 is labeled wet and dry but is sold as a dry-use razor, so check the kit before relying on shower use.
Is the Series 8 worth stepping up to over the ARC5?
Only if you have a dense beard or want a cleaning and charging stand. For daily shaving on sensitive skin, the ARC5's flex head and sensor are the better fit.

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More comparisons

  • ARC5 Advanced 5-Blade Men's Electric Shaver vs Braun Series 9 Pro
  • Braun Series 9 Pro vs Braun Series 8 Electric Razor for Men, Electric Shaver, Charging Stand, 8517s
  • ARC5 Advanced 5-Blade Men's Electric Shaver vs Philips Norelco 2400 Series Electric Shaver
  • Philips Norelco 2400 Series Electric Shaver vs Braun Series 8 Electric Razor for Men, Electric Shaver, Charging Stand, 8517s

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best electric razors for men
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0.99 lbs
Gender—Male
Care and maint—Included
Model—00069055138427
Weight—0.99 lb
Has nrtl listing certification—N
Retail packaging—Kit
Piece count—5