Series 5 verdict: who should buy it
A no-fuss foil with a Turbo button and proper waterproofing. Fine for daily shavers with a normal beard on a tight budget.
Best for
- Daily shavers on a budget
- Shower shaving with gel
- Stepping up from a Series 3
Look elsewhere if
- Your skin is sensitive; Series 6 adds Gentle mode: Braun Series 6 (6120s)
- You prefer rotary heads: Philips Norelco Shaver 3600
- You often wait 4+ days between shaves: Braun Series 7 (7120s)
Why it ranks #11 of 17
Three flexing blades follow the jaw, a Turbo button raises the cutting speed when stubble is longer, and the Li-ion battery holds up for a couple of weeks of shaves. The EasyClick trimmer snaps on for sideburns. If the price gap between this and the Series 3 is small on the day you buy, take the Series 5. The battery alone is worth it.
It earned a Shaver Notes score of 8.2/10 and the "Best cheap foil with Turbo" spot on the best electric shavers for men list.
What the Series 5 does well
- Li-ion battery instead of older NiMH
- Turbo mode for slightly longer stubble
- Uses the same 53B head as the Series 6, so parts are easy to find
- Fully waterproof
Series 5 problems and things to know before you buy
- No Gentle mode. The Series 6 adds it plus a SkinGuard strip.
- Not built for 5-day growth; trim first.
- The attachment trimmer is a click-on part, not built in.
What owners keep saying
More than ten thousand ratings. Value and battery life lead the praise. The few unhappy owners usually have sensitive necks and would have been better served by the Series 6.
Owner base: Over ten thousand ratings (Amazon, October 27, 2026). Summarized in my own words; no reviews are copied.
Series 5 specs that matter
| Shaving system | Foil, 3 flexible blades |
|---|---|
| Modes | Standard and Turbo (up to 25,500 cutting actions per second, maker's figure) |
| Wet / dry | Yes, waterproof |
| Battery | Li-ion, up to 50 min |
| Trimmer | EasyClick precision trimmer attachment |
| Replacement head | Braun 53B (shared with Series 6) |
From the maker's listing, checked October 27, 2026.
Model numbers and versions explained
51xx is the current Series 5; 50xx is the previous run. Both use the 53B head.
Running cost: heads
Replacement part: Braun 53B cassette, about every 18 months. Rinse with the motor running, dry with the cap off, and replace the head every 18 months.
Rough 5-year cost including heads: about $165 at a $ street price (estimate). Run your own numbers in the 5-year calculator.
Score breakdown
Overall 8.2/10. Weights: closeness 30%, comfort 20%, owner ratings 20%, running cost 15%, convenience 15%. Editorial score from specs, owner data and costs, not a lab test. Method.
Series 5 alternatives
Head-to-head comparisons
Also recommended in
Series 5 FAQ
Is the Braun Series 5 worth it?
Yes, as a budget foil with a modern battery and Turbo mode.
Braun Series 5 vs Series 3: what's the difference?
Series 5 has a Li-ion battery, Turbo mode and full waterproofing. Series 3 is cheaper and simpler.
Can I use the Braun Series 5 in the shower?
Yes. It's waterproof and works with foam or gel.
Where can I buy the Series 5?
It is sold on Amazon. This page links directly to the listing (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM41B12X?tag=best-electric-shavers807-20); the price and stock shown there apply.