Philips Norelco Shaver 3600 vs Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s

The Philips Norelco 3600 is the better pick for most people: rotary heads with 5D pivot and flex follow the jaw and neck closely, and 60 minutes of runtime beats the Braun's 45. The Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s is a solid foil shaver with a 5-minute quick charge that gets you one shave when the battery is flat, which the Philips does not advertise. Build on both is mostly plastic and both are wet/dry and washable. Owners rate the Philips well (4.4 from over 3,500 ratings); Braun foil shavers are known for a close, flat-lying-hair cut but the 3040s is an entry model with NiMH batteries rather than lithium-ion.

• Choose the Philips Norelco 3600 if you want longer runtime, a pivoting rotary head for curved areas, and a trimmer built into the shaver.
• Choose the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s if you prefer foil shaving, need a fast top-up charge before a shave, or shave with water and want a charge display.