(checked 2026-10-10)2,932 ratings (6% 1-star, 3% 2-star) on the ES-LV97-K listing, which offers several configurations that may share reviews.
CNN's top pick and one of the closest-shaving razors you can buy. It is harsher on sensitive skin than Braun, and its battery life is only average. Testers also found its cleaning dock messier than Braun's.
Top complaints
- Harsher on sensitive skin
ShaverCheck saw pinching and stinging on the neck when moving fast and mild redness, says Braun's Series 8 or 9 is gentler, and doesn't recommend it for very sensitive skin. Amazon's summary says some owners report red, burning or irritated skin.
- Slower, struggles with long flat-lying hair
ShaverCheck says it struggles with long, flat-lying hair, a long-standing Panasonic issue. Wirecutter found neither Arc5 version shaved as quickly or closely as its top Braun pick, and CNN's three-day beard took nearly 3 minutes versus about 1.5 minutes with the Braun Series 9 Pro.
- Messy dock, pricey parts, average battery
CNN says the dock uses an open reservoir where you mix detergent and water, so you have to empty it to travel, and it is loud. ShaverCheck says the detergent tray can grow mold and mildew, foils (yearly) and blades (every two years) are pricey, and battery life is okay but behind Braun and Philips. Amazon battery feedback is mixed.
What owners love
- Among the closest shaves available
ShaverCheck calls it one of the closest-shaving electric razors you can buy, including on the chin, neck and upper lip. CNN got one of its closest, smoothest shaves, and Amazon owners report smooth, stubble-free skin.
- Effective sonic cleaning
CNN found the 20-second sonic mode made hand-rinsing noticeably more effective than on most razors, and Amazon owners praise the self-cleaning station.
- Light, well-balanced and easy to use
CNN liked the lightweight, grippy handle and the physical travel-lock switch. ShaverCheck praises the build and the pop-up trimmer.
- You have very sensitive skin
- You let long, flat-lying hair grow between shaves
- You want the longest battery life
- The closest possible shave
- Daily shavers with coarse beards
- Hand-rinsing with a sonic cleaning mode
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Best electric razor of 14 tested: close, comfortable and user-friendly, though the detergent dock is messier than Braun's.
- ShaverCheck: 4.5/5, Editor's choice (updated 2026-08-15): one of the closest shavers available, but not ideal for long, flat-lying hair or very sensitive skin, and its parts are pricey.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not picked: it tested the ARC5 and the compact ES-PV3A and found neither shaved as quickly or closely as the Braun Series 8.