Braun claims to focus on personal grooming through its devices that may help minimize concerns like skin irritation during shaving, inconsistent hair removal results, or time-consuming grooming routines. It may help simplify everyday personal care routines alongside efficiency, convenience, and skin comfort.
The brand’s catalog extends to multiple categories, including electric shavers, trimmers, epilators, and IPL devices. It also highlights aspects like water resistance, replaceable parts, and skin-sensitive designs, which could make the brand’s offerings adaptable to your different needs and preferences.
In this review, we look at Braun’s bestsellers range in detail, exploring both the strengths and limitations of the brand. The review also covers aspects like the core focus of the brand, features, and real user reviews.
About Braun
Established in 1921 in Frankfurt (Germany), Braun initially sold household appliances before expanding into the personal grooming space.
The brand’s identity is based around grooming and hair removal devices, which target multiple body zones, including underarms, face, legs, and intimate areas.
For shaving essentials, the brand offers a range of electric shavers, including Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9 Pro models. These electric shavers provide distinct features, such as sonic vibrations, contour-following heads, ProLift trimmers, and SmartCare cleaning systems. All-in-one trimmers (from Series 7 and 9) may cater to multipurpose needs, such as beard trimming, hair clipping, and body grooming.
It also offers IPL devices, such as the Silk·expert Pro 3, Pro 5, and Skin i·Expert Pro 7 series. These IPL devices utilize light therapies that target melanin in the skin cells to support visible hair reduction.
For targeted hair removal, the brand offers the Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa 9-481 3D Epilator. The device features an ergonomic design, which supports the removal of short hairs (0.5 mm) with better comfort and reduced pain.
Braun Bestsellers
Braun Silk·Expert Pro 5 IPL
The Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL utilizes Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology. The light emitted can be directed in a pulsating manner towards melanin in the hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle. Such an effect could help in hair reduction.
It comes with three interchangeable heads, such as a precision head to cover smaller or sensitive areas, a standard head, and a wide head.
According to the official site, the device features a Smart SkinProtect Sensor to monitor the intensity of IPL light. It also comes with two distinct sensitive modes, which may enable you to lower light intensity to ensure safe application in sensitive areas, such as the armpit, face, or bikini line.
Prior to use, the makers suggest removing visible hair from the procedure area, which can be done with the provided Venus Razor. The device needs to be plugged in for operation, and then you need to select from the standard, gentle, and extra gentle modes, based on your goals and preferred light intensity tolerance. It is important to put the nozzle in full contact with your skin to promote effective use.
Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver
The Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver is capable of efficiently shaving hair from short stubble to longer facial growth.
As per the manufacturer, the device pairs the ProLift Trimmer with Sonic Technology, which may help lift and cut flat-lying or stubborn hairs, including short hair strands (less than 0.05mm).
It comes with a PowerCase, a portable charging case for the shaver, which claims to offer up to six weeks of shaves without plugging in.
The Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver utilizes oscillating blades beneath a perforated foil, which may capture and cut hair strands close to the skin.
As per the official site, the standard package includes the PowerCase, cleaning cartridge, shaver, SmartPlug, cleaning brush, and Smart Station.
Braun Smart IPL, Skin i·Expert Pro 7
The Skin i·expert Pro 7 uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, claiming to provide an at-home option for laser hair removal. It features four interchangeable heads to cater to hair removal from different body areas.
For instance, the standard head covers larger areas such as arms, lower legs, and armpits, while the wide head may be better suited for upper legs, back, and chest.
The face precision head may help reach sensitive areas like the upper lip and chin, while the bikini precision head may be better suited for use near the pubic area.
As per the official site, due to the technology used in the Skin i·expert Pro 7, the Braun IPL devices are dermatologist-approved and FDA-cleared, which may imply that you could safely use its devices on multiple body areas, including the face, armpits, bikini line, and sensitive areas.
The device features a Smart Head Recognition system that recognizes which head attachment is in use and automatically adapts its settings. It also pairs with the Skin i·Expert IPL app via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Through the app, you can receive guided instructions, monitor past sessions, assess your skin tone and hair thickness, and create a customized plan.
Braun Series 8 Electric Shaver
The Series 8 Electric Shaver is a cordless grooming device, which is titanium-coated for resistance to corrosion and is waterproof.
According to the official site, the shaver features 4 compact shaving elements that use Sonic Technology to produce 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute. It also comes with a shaver head that swivels up to 40 degrees, which may improve contact with curved areas like the jawline, chin, and under the nose, for a close shave.
A ProTrimmer attachment is also included for detailed grooming tasks, such as shaping sideburns, trimming mustaches, or capturing fine hairs that the main shaving elements may miss. The shaver caters to both wet and dry use, making it compatible with shaving creams, gels, or direct dry shaving.
For maintenance, the device comes with a 5-in-1 SmartCare Center, which may help clean, lubricate, dry, and charge the shaver automatically. The PowerCase doubles may double as a mobile charging station, which may provide up to 60 minutes of runtime with cordless use.
All-in-One Series 7 Trimmer, 12-in-1 Kit
All-in-One Series 7 Trimmer, 12-in-1 Kit offers a comprehensive grooming system, which may help assist you with trimming, body grooming, detailing, and precision shaving. Inside the kit, you’ll find the electric trimmer, detail trimmer, body trimmer (fine pitch), and ear and nose trimmer. The kit further provides an adjustable hair comb, stencil, adjustable beard comb, T-Blade, mini foils, beard combs, and a charging stand.
The trimmer includes a sharp ProBlade to ensure efficient trimming on every stroke, even in tricky areas. As per the official site, the trimmer also features a Precision Wheel with 40 length settings in 0.02-inch steps, which you can adjust based on your needs and preferences. Beard and hair combs may allow adjustments from 0.5 mm to 20 mm for precise results.
9 Flex Epilator
The Silk·épil 9 Flex is a home-use epilator that may support hair removal with minimal skin irritation. It utilizes MicroGrip technology, a system of 40 mechanical tweezers that may help capture and pull out hair as short as 0.5 millimeters. As per the manufacturer’s claims, 9 Flex may provide up to four weeks of smooth skin by removing hair from the root.
According to the official site, the epilator is lightweight and compact, with 163 x 65 x 45mm dimensions and 179g weight. It is said to be powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing around 50 minutes of cordless use per charge, supporting a wide voltage range (100–240V) and 50–60Hz frequency.
The epilator features a large, oscillating 3D head that may follow your body contours, allowing consistent contact with curved areas like knees and ankles. Its ergonomic handle may provide a secure grip, even during wet use in the shower or bath.
For further comfort, a massage roller cap with rolling elements is also included with the device. The light mechanical stimulation from the massage roller might temporarily subside pain signals from hair removal.
Braun Advantages
Broad Product Range
Braun maintains an extensive product portfolio, which covers a wide spectrum of grooming needs. Its lineup includes electric shavers such as the Series 9 Pro, 8, 7, and the Series 3, which may cater to diverse shaving needs. For example, the Series 9 Pro+ includes additions like the PowerCase and SmartCare Center to promote convenience, while the Series 7 and Series 8 may provide reliable performance at accessible price points.
Beyond electric shavers, the brand offers epilators, such as Silk·expert Pro 5 and Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL, which utilizes IPL technology to support targeted hair removal. For satisfying multipurpose needs, the brand offers all-in-one trimmers, such as Series 7 (12-in-1 kit), which pair varied uses like hair clipping, beard trimming, and precision shaving in a single device.
This extended range could help meet your grooming needs, such as trimming, detailing, targeted hair removal, or epilating within a single brand ecosystem. Having one brand cover these categories may also make upkeep simpler, since compatible parts and accessories are easy to access and integrate with your existing devices.
Advanced Smart Technology Integration
Braun claims to integrate smart technology across many of its grooming devices to make performance more adaptive, safer, and user-friendly. For instance, the Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa epilator utilizes MicroGrip technology. It provides a system of 40 mechanical tweezers that may support hair removal as short as 0.5 millimeters.
AutoSense technology is also integrated in many electric shavers and trimmers from the brand. The technology could detect beard density in real time and adjust motor power to support consistent cutting. The Series 8 Electric Shaver from the brand utilizes SmartCare technology, which helps tend to cleaning, lubrication, drying, and automatic charging of the device after each use.
These technological integrations may reduce the need for manual adjustments or repeated passes, as the devices from the brand may adapt automatically to different hair types and thickness levels. The result may translate to a more efficient grooming routine with less irritation and easier upkeep.
Braun Limitation
Premium Positioning
Braun’s premium positioning creates affordability barriers for many consumers. Its IPL devices, such as the Silk·expert Pro 3 and Skin i·expert Smart IPL, range from $250 to $600, while shavers like the Series 7 and Series 9 PRO+ cost $170 to $430, which is often higher than competing mid-market brands.
Beyond initial purchase, using Braun’s devices requires proprietary replacement parts, such as Series 9 Pro+ foil and cutter cassettes, priced between $33 to $70, which significantly increase long-term costs. Accessories like Clean & Renew Refill Cartridges also fall into this premium range, adding recurring expenses.
Pros
- The brand has a century-long legacy and Bauhaus-inspired design philosophy, which may instill a sense of reliability.
- As part of the BraunCare+ program, the brand offers an extended 5-year warranty on its devices.
- Offers a 100-day money-back guarantee on select grooming products.
Cons
- The brand operates in the premium segment, making many offerings relatively expensive than similar brands.
- Some users have experienced issues with the brand’s customer support and refund processing in the past.
Alternatives To Braun
Silk’n
When comparing Silk’n and Braun, the brands diverge in aspects like their approach to hair removal, core focus, product range, and pricing structures. Silk’n specializes in at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal alongside beauty enhancement.
The brand offers products like the Infinity Fast, Motion Premium, and Silk’n 7 Black under its hair removal devices category. For the IPL hair removal devices category, the brand keeps a price range between $314.25–$449.25. Silk’n also offers the SilkyAir Pro and SilkyStraight products under the hair styling category, alongside LED light masks, such as the LED Face Mask 100 and the LED Neck Mask.
On the other hand, Braun offers a broader grooming ecosystem that includes trimmers, electric shavers, IPL devices, and epilators. Some featured IPL offerings from the brand include the Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL and Skin i·expert Smart IPL, which have a typical price range between $300–$600. Beyond IPL devices, the brand provides Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver, Smart IPL, Skin i·Expert Pro 7, All-in-One Series 7 Trimmer, 12-in-1 Kit, and Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa 9-481 3D Epilator.
In terms of technological integration, there are some differences between the brands. Silk’n channels its resources toward IPL-based devices, with devices like Motion Premium and Silk’n 7 Black, utilizing patented eHPL technology. The eHPL technology pairs galvanic and optical energies to enhance comfort and effectiveness during hair removal. Meanwhile, the Braun brand highlights the use of Sonic technology, AutoSense technology, and SmartCare. These technological integrations may help enhance user comfort and safety when using the devices from the brand.
Silk’n focuses primarily on IPL devices, offering different models that vary in how they deliver light, the intensity of light, flash capacity, and window dimensions, while only carrying a limited selection of beauty and styling products. Braun, on the other hand, spans a wider spectrum, ranging from everyday shaving essentials and all-in-one trimmers to IPL systems.
Ulike
Ulike is a brand dedicated to IPL technology, with its identity built around at-home hair removal devices. Some featured offerings from Ulike include the Air 10, Air 3, Ulike Air+, and Ulike X. These offerings are typically priced in the range of $219 to $349. The brand also offers LED Light Therapy Mask, like Ulike ReGlow, which costs $339.
On the other hand, Braun also offers a segmented range of IPL devices, such as Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL and Skin i·expert Smart IPL, which come in the price range of $300 to $600.
However, the brand also extends to categories like electric shavers, such as Series 7 Electric Shaver, Series 8 Electric Shaver, and Series 9 Pro Electric Shavers, which have a price range between $120-$385. Beyond electric shavers, the brand also provides access to epilators, trimmers, and replacement parts.
Technological approaches also differ between the brands. Ulike emphasizes comfort, integrating its patented Sapphire Ice cooling technology to reduce discomfort during hair removal and minimize potential skin irritation. It also utilizes dual-lamp technology in its IPL devices, which may deliver alternating flashes every 0.25 seconds, totaling 4 flashes per minute.
On the other hand, Braun highlights the use of SensoAdapt™ technology, which uses a skin tone sensor to adjust light intensity continuously. Other technologies employed by the brand include Sonic technology and SmartCare.
Safety and compatibility also show differences. The IPL devices from Ulike are compatible with a wider range of skin tones, from types I–V on the Fitzpatrick scale. Its use of SkinSensor technology may further help automatically regulate light intensity for safe sessions. Such features may extend accessibility to more users, including some with darker skin tones. Braun’s IPL devices also adjust intensity through SensoAdapt™, but their use is limited to fair through medium skin tones.
How Did We Evaluate Braun?
Real User Reviews
As part of our evaluation, we analyzed verified consumer feedback of two popular devices from the brand on Amazon to understand how Braun’s products perform in everyday use.
For the Silk·Expert Pro 5 IPL5137, customer reviews often highlighted visible hair reduction outcomes with minimized skin irritation. Some consumers appreciated its ability to cut down on hair removal time while providing lasting results, particularly on areas like legs, armpits, and the bikini line. However, some customers expressed the design of Silk·Expert Pro 5 IPL5137 as slightly awkward to handle in harder-to-reach areas.
On Amazon, the user feedback for the Series 9 PRO+ Electric Shaver was mostly positive, with some minor concerns around usability. Many users highlighted its ability to deliver a close, smooth shave without irritation. Features like the flexible head, multiple shaving elements, and SmartCare cleaning and charging station were noted as major advantages. However, a few customers experienced issues with trimmer placement, and there were reports of blades dulling faster than expected.
Returns And Refund Policy
When evaluating Braun, we closely examined its return policy to understand how the brand supports customers post-purchase. The brand allows standard returns within 30 days, provided items are unopened, in their original packaging, and include all accessories. For defective or damaged items, the brand waives shipping and restocking fees.
The brand offers a 100-Day Money Back Guarantee on grooming products such as shavers, trimmers, IPL devices, epilators, and select accessories like replacement shaver heads and charging stations.
From an evaluation standpoint, this guarantee may provide a longer window to assess product effectiveness, although the requirements to submit a valid proof of purchase and other documentation may lower the convenience in placing refunds.
The brand’s refund policy appears structured and transparent, although our evaluation noted that some procedural steps can be cumbersome. Requirements to return unopened products with all accessories may present minor challenges, particularly if packaging is damaged or parts are misplaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Although the high-speed motors in electric shavers might handle long shaving sessions, the foil head may gradually overheat due to friction and continuous metal-to-skin contact.
Yes, multiple devices from the brand, including Series 7, 8, and 9 electric shavers, are lightweight and have an ergonomic design. They also come with dual-voltage support and travel cases or pouches, making them convenient for use during travel.
No. The devices from the brand are engineered for at-home convenience, but they cannot replicate the precision of professional clippers, straight razors, or salon-grade tools.
Final Words
Braun delivers a comprehensive range of personal grooming offerings that emphasize performance and durability.
The brand also highlights the integration of technologies, such as IPL, AutoSense, and MicroGrip, which may further showcase the brand’s commitment to efficiency, ease of use, and adherence to safety standards.
However, Braun’s premium positioning can make the brand’s offerings less accessible, especially if you are on a budget. When choosing Braun, it’s important to weigh your specific grooming needs, skin sensitivity, space availability for charging or cleaning systems, and budget constraints. These factors can also impact whether the brand’s devices align with your needs and personal grooming routine.
- About the Author
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Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.