The Braun Series 8 shaver offers excellent performance in the mid-range category, delivering a close and comfortable shave with minimal irritation. Shaver Dude praised its effectiveness and included features like Sonic Technology and a protective travel case. However, some users noted it's louder than rotary shavers and found the trimmer function unnecessary. It's positioned as a solid mid-tier option that sits at the top of the mid-range or bottom of elite shavers, making it suitable for those seeking reliable performance without the premium price of top-tier models.
Full review
Close shave performance
The Braun Series 8 delivers a consistently close shave that reviewers describe as nearly matching the quality of manual razors. Shaver Dude noted that the Series 8 'got a very close shave. Probably as close as a blade,' while Matt Jancer from VICE wrote that it provided 'the closest, smoothest shave of any electric shaver Ive ever used.' The shaver's three-stage cutting system includes two foil cutting heads sandwiching a third cutting strip designed to tackle longer stubble. Jason Wanlass from TechGearLab confirmed that 'the Series 8's three-step cutting system is effective and reliable' and that it offers 'two foil cutting heads that sandwich a third cutting strip designed to mow down longer stubble.' The cutting action operates at 30,000 passes per minute, which is slightly slower than the Series 9 Pro's 40,000 passes per minute but still produces excellent results across various hair types and growth conditions.
Battery life and charging
Battery performance in the Braun Series 8 is robust, with reviewers consistently noting its impressive longevity. Jason Wanlass from TechGearLab reported that the device 'stay charged for weeks' and that 'during our timed tests, our unit continuously buzzed for nearly 2 hours and 15 minutes on a single charge.' Shaver Dude measured 60 minutes of use per charge, which aligns with the manufacturer's specifications. The quick charge feature provides enough power for one shave in just five minutes, according to Shaver Dude's testing. Matt Jancer from VICE mentioned that he's been using the device daily for four months with 'no hiccups,' suggesting reliable long-term performance. The PowerCase accessory, which adds extra charging power, is specifically designed to support these extended battery capabilities, making it suitable for users who travel frequently or need extended shaving sessions without access to power outlets.
Ergonomic design and maneuverability
The Braun Series 8 features a well-designed, ergonomic body that reviewers consistently praised for its comfort and ease of use. Jason Jones from ShavingAdvisor rated the ergonomics at 9/10, noting that 'the shaver is comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.' The device includes a swiveling head that pivots 40 degrees total, with 20 degrees in each direction, allowing it to contour closely to the skin while maintaining contact. This fluid motion is key to its ability to hug the face, jaw, chin, and neck effectively. The head can also be locked into place for more precise control, a feature that Jason Wanlass from TechGearLab appreciated. Additionally, the shaver's design includes a lockable pivot head that enhances precision, which is particularly useful for detailed work around tricky areas. The overall build quality and weight distribution contribute to a comfortable shaving experience that reduces fatigue during extended use.
Cleaning and maintenance
The Braun Series 8 comes with a comprehensive cleaning station that enhances its usability and maintenance. Jason Wanlass from TechGearLab highlighted that 'the Series 8 comes with a 5-in-1 SmartCare Center (i.e., cleaning station)' and that 'the cleaning station is easy to use and maintains the shaver in good condition.' The CleanCare Center includes features such as a cleaning station that automatically cleans, charges, and dries the shaver. This system significantly reduces the manual effort required for maintenance and helps prolong the life of the shaver. However, Matt Jancer from VICE noted that 'the travel case has no room for attachments,' which could be a limitation for users who prefer to carry extra accessories. Despite this minor inconvenience, the self-cleaning function is a standout feature that makes the Series 8 particularly appealing to users who value convenience and low-maintenance grooming routines.
Trimming capabilities
The included trimmer on the Braun Series 8 is a functional but basic component that receives mixed reviews. Jason Wanlass from TechGearLab noted that 'the trimmer is a slide-up trimmer that makes it easy to work on sideburns or problem areas' but also pointed out that 'the button on the trimmer is too small and shallow. We often missed it completely which caused the sliding arm to stick.' This suggests that while the trimmer serves its purpose, it lacks the intuitiveness and reliability that some users might expect. Matt Jancer from VICE mentioned that he 'didnt find the trimmer useful at all and use a separate trimmer,' indicating that the built-in trimmer may not meet the needs of users who require precision trimming. The ProTrimmer design, introduced in newer models, is an improvement over previous versions, but the overall trimming functionality remains a secondary feature compared to the main shaving capabilities.
Noise levels and user experience
Noise levels represent one of the most frequently cited drawbacks of the Braun Series 8. JohnIL, who used the device for about four months, noted that 'the Braun shavers are louder than the Philips Norelco rotary shavers' and that 'it is not a quiet razor compared to what I have experienced with rotary razors.' This observation was echoed by other reviewers who noted that the Series 8 operates at a higher decibel level than some competing models. The noise level becomes particularly noticeable during extended use or in quiet environments. However, this issue is balanced by the device's superior performance and features. Matt Jancer from VICE acknowledged that 'I prefer a good wet shave with a manual razor; I just use electric shavers out of convenience when I need to,' suggesting that despite the noise, the convenience factor outweighs the drawback for many users. The trade-off between noise and performance is a key consideration for potential buyers.
Premium performance at a mid-range price point
The Braun Series 8 sits in a premium position within the electric shaver market, offering a balance of performance and value that appeals to users seeking quality without the highest price tag. Jason Jones from ShavingAdvisor positioned it as 'the biggest jump up in performance and a significantly improved design (mostly) compared to the S5, S6, and S7,' and noted that 'it comes in at a lower price than the S9 Pro, making it more accessible for some buyers.' The device's price point of approximately $220 to $250 USD reflects its mid-range positioning, offering features typically found in higher-end models at a more affordable price. Jason Wanlass from TechGearLab stated that 'the Series 8 won out because it offers nearly as much as its big brother but comes with a more reasonable price tag,' making it a strong contender for everyday consumers. The inclusion of the PowerCase and SmartCare Center further enhances its value proposition, particularly for users who prioritize convenience and extended battery life.
Strengths
- +Delivers a very close shave comparable to blade shavers
- +Provides comfortable shaving experience with minimal irritation or redness
- +Includes a hard fabric case for travel protection
- +Features Sonic Technology with 10,000 microvibrations for cutting hair
- +Supports wet/dry use and is easy to clean
Watch-outs
- −Loud operation compared to rotary shavers
- −Trimmer function was found to be not useful by some users
How it compares
The Braun Series 8 provides a close shave comparable to blade shavers and includes a protective travel case, making it more travel-friendly than the Series 9 Pro. While it lacks the sonic technology of the S9 Pro, it's quieter than the Philips Norelco i9000 and offers a more balanced performance at a mid-tier price point, though the trimmer function is underutilized compared to the Panasonic Arc5.
Rating sources
“Overall, the Series 8 is an excellent shaver. Braun Series 8 The Braun Series 8 is at the top of the mid-range shavers or the bottom on the Elite shavers. In any case, it is a good choice of a shaver.”
“The Braun Series 8 Electric Shaver offers the closest, smoothest shave of any electric shaver.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
