Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver vs Braun Series 9 Pro

The Braun Series 9 Pro is the better all-round shaver for most people, with a proven five-element head, a 60-minute battery and a cleaning station. The Panasonic ARC5 matches it on paper with a 16-direction flex head, a 14,000 CPM linear motor and a beard sensor, and it is lighter and simpler to live with. Owners of the Braun report more irritation and earlier breakdowns than the Panasonic's small but strong rating pool suggests, so the ARC5 is the safer pick for sensitive skin.

• Choose the Panasonic ARC5 if you have sensitive skin, want a lighter shaver with a highly flexible head and a beard sensor, and prefer simple wet/dry use without a cleaning dock.
• Choose the Braun Series 9 Pro if you want the longer track record, a 60-minute battery, a five-minute quick charge and a cleaning station with a beard trimmer.