Entry level electric shavers represent a highly competitive segment.
The reasonable purchase price, low running costs and excellent price/performance ratio are among the things that make these razors very appealing to the potential buyer.
In this head to head episode we’ll take a close look at two of the best lines of budget electric razors, namely the Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3.
We’ll find out how they stack up against each other for the most important aspects and we’ll also see the scenarios where one would make a better choice than the other.
Different models in a series, same performance
Both the Arc3 and the Series 3 have been around for quite a while. During this time, both lines have seen new models being added to the current lineup.
The old and new Arc3
Panasonic’s Arc3 range was launched around 2008 and until 2015 there have only been incremental updates, consisting mainly in visual improvements. Therefore, the shaving performance has remained pretty much the same throughout the whole Arc3 line.
The new models introduced in 2015 by Panasonic, called the LT-series, are a clear departure from the older ones, going for a more premium positioning. This is also reflected in their price which is, at least at the moment of writing, much higher than what most would be willing to pay for an entry level razor. Therefore, we will only be referring to the 2008 – 2015 Arc3 shavers.
A refreshed Series 3
Braun has also updated its Series 3 line in late 2015, but it was more of a visual makeover. The new razors even use the same shaving heads, so the performance is again identical for all Series 3 shavers. The prices are also similar, so we’ll consider both the updated and the older models.
Takeaway: all the different razors in Braun’s Series 3 are pretty much identical in terms of performance; same goes for the Arc3 shavers from Panasonic. The differences between two Arc3 or two Series 3 razors mainly come down to design and included accessories as seen in the example below:
The Braun Series 3 3050cc in the foreground is a dry only razor that comes with an automatic cleaning station. The blue 3040s in the background can be used wet or dry but doesn’t include a cleaning station. The shaving performance between the two is the same.
Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3: what are the differences?
Both the Panasonic Arc3 and the Braun Series 3 are reasonably priced electric razors, featuring a shaving head with 3 individual cutting elements, wet & dry operation (only certain models from Braun) and are best suited for shaving daily or every other day, offering excellent performance for the price.
Let’s now address the things that interest us the most in this Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3 confrontation, the differences.
1. Closeness of the shave
Getting a close shave is probably very high on the priority list of anyone looking to buy an electric shaver.
While a more advanced razor like the Braun Series 7 or a Panasonic Arc5 will provide a closer shave, the Arc3 and Series 3 can yield very good results, especially if you follow a few simple tips.
However, in my personal experience I have found the Panasonic Arc3 to be slightly better than the Series 3 from Braun when it comes strictly to the closeness of the shave.
I can attribute this to the more powerful 13 000 CPM motor that was fitted to the Arc3, their 30 degrees sharpen blades and the curvature of the foils (thus the Arc in the name) which ensures optimal contact with the skin.
↓ Recommended: Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 [review] ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
Also, the Arc3 feels faster and completing a shave takes slightly less time. It also seems to better at shaving longer, flat lying hairs than the Series 3.
2. Comfort during and after the shave
When it comes to comfort, the Braun Series 3 has the edge, at least in my experience.
A Series 3 razor feels smoother and gentler to the skin, while the Arc3 shavers are a bit more aggressive. The downside of providing a closer shave is a small tradeoff in comfort.
↓ Recommended: Braun Series 3 3040s [review] ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
The difference is not that significant and some may not even notice it, but it’s important to take this into account if you have very sensitive skin.
3. Hair trimmer
All Panasonic Arc3 come with an integrated trimmer, while certain models from the Series 3 don’t have one (these also have a lower price).
Panasonic’s popup trimmers are suitable for light grooming and trimming your sideburns, moustache and goatee and are generally sharp and smooth.
Their main drawback is related to the positioning, behind and perpendicular to the shaving head. This makes it difficult to see what you’re doing. A workaround that I found to be quite effective is to remove the foils and the two blades, exposing the trimmer.
The long hair trimmer found on the Braun Series 3 razors is definitely better in terms of ergonomics. It extends beyond the shaving head and it’s more practical and easier to maneuver. On the other hand, Braun’s trimmers seem to be rather dull and you have to go over an area many times to get all the hairs.
#gallery-2 { margin: auto; } #gallery-2 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-2 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-2 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Popup trimmer on A Panasonic Arc3 shaver The hair trimmer found on a Braun Series 3 3040s Trimmer found on the dry only Braun Series 3 3050cc
Overall, the hair trimmers on both the Arc3 and the Series 3 are a mixed bag. But they’re definitely useful, so my recommendation is to avoid the Series 3 razors that don’t include one (like the 3010s or the 3000s).
4. Wet & dry use
All Panasonic Arc3 shavers are suitable for wet & dry operation. They’re also fully waterproof, so you can use them in the shower as well. Panasonics work particularly well with shaving cream, so if you’re into that definitely consider an Arc3.
Braun opted to include razors that can be used wet & dry or dry only in the Series 3. I wouldn’t consider this a minus as you’ll just have to pick one depending on how you’ll be using it. In this article you’ll find a detailed comparison table to see exactly which models from the newer Series 3 allow wet & dry use.
5. Purchase price and running costs
A Braun Series 3 razor and a corresponding Arc 3 from Panasonic, both similar in terms of accessories and capabilities, will also have relatively close prices.
Of course you can find one or the other at some great discounts and in that case you should probably go for the cheaper one. For example, the Braun Series 3 3040s can even be found at half the regular retail price.
However, when it comes to ownership costs, Braun is the clear winner.
All Series 3 shavers use the same blades and foils combo, called a cassette. These cassettes are significantly lower priced than the corresponding parts for the Panasonic Arc3.
The cassette used by the Braun Series 3 line
Moreover, the blades used for the Arc3 razors, even though they seem sharper at the beginning, tend to become dull faster, so you’ll have to change them more often.
Cleaning cartridges will also increase the running costs, but in a similar manner for the Series 3 and the Arc3.
It’s also important to note that since both the Arc3 and the Series 3 have many models, older or newer, the prices can vary to a high degree. So definitely check out as many as you can before buying a particular one.
I would also recommend to stay below the $100 threshold (at least for the models that don’t include a cleaning station) as there are better alternatives for that kind of money (like the Panasonic ES-LF51-A Arc4 or the ES-LA63-S Arc4).
6. Cleaning and maintenance
Both Arc3 and Series 3 have razors that are available with an automatic cleaning station. However, only the dry only variants from Braun’s Series 3 can be bought with one.
I’ll say it right off the bat, Braun’s cleaning stations are superior. They use an alcohol based solution which is better at sanitizing the shaver and the cleaning cycles are short and relatively quiet. They also lubricate the shaver, so that’s one thing you won’t have to worry about anymore.
If you want the convenience of a cleaning station, make sure to check out the Braun Series 3 3070cc below as it seems to be the most reasonably priced of them all. The 3050cc that I reviewed here is also an option.
↓ Recommended: Braun Series 3 3070cc ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
You should also look at older Series 3 models, like the 350cc-4 as you might be able to grab it at a nice discount.
As previously said, they will provide similar shaving performance, so simply buy the more conveniently priced variant.
If you choose to save some money and skip the cleaning station, then you’ll have to manually clean your razor after every use. In this case the Panasonics are easier to clean as the foils and blades can be separated for a more thorough cleaning using a bit of liquid soap and hot tap water.
↓ Recommended: Panasonic ES-LT41-K Arc3 [review] ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
Braun uses a cassette for the Series 3, with the blades and foils being integrated into a single piece. This makes cleaning more fiddly and time consuming as you have to make sure that hairs, debris or foam are completely removed from the shaving head.
Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3: which one should you choose?
While both the Arc3 and the Series 3 offer very compelling features, due to their differences, there can be situations where one would make a better choice than the other.
Let’s now settle the Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3 dispute and see which is the right one for you.
Choose the Panasonic Arc3 if you:
Want the closest shaving entry level shaver
Want a faster shave
Want an affordable shaver that is easy to clean manually
Will be using your razor with a shaving cream (Braun doesn’t offer any wet & dry Series 3 with a cleaning station)
Choose the Braun Series 3 if you:
Need a reasonably priced shaver that is suitable for sensitive skin
Have a limited budget and want low running costs
Need an entry level razor with an excellent automatic cleaning system
Will be using your shaver exclusively for dry shaving; the dry only variants from the Series 3 are also cheaper than the wet & dry ones
Lastly, since you can’t go wrong with any of the two series, don’t neglect the purchase price. Since these are budget electric razors, price should be a decisive factor when making your pick. So if you stumble upon an Arc3 or a Series 3 shaver at a great price, simply go for it.
The reasonable purchase price, low running costs and excellent price/performance ratio are among the things that make these razors very appealing to the potential buyer.
In this head to head episode we’ll take a close look at two of the best lines of budget electric razors, namely the Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3.
We’ll find out how they stack up against each other for the most important aspects and we’ll also see the scenarios where one would make a better choice than the other.
Different models in a series, same performance
Both the Arc3 and the Series 3 have been around for quite a while. During this time, both lines have seen new models being added to the current lineup.
The old and new Arc3
Panasonic’s Arc3 range was launched around 2008 and until 2015 there have only been incremental updates, consisting mainly in visual improvements. Therefore, the shaving performance has remained pretty much the same throughout the whole Arc3 line.
The new models introduced in 2015 by Panasonic, called the LT-series, are a clear departure from the older ones, going for a more premium positioning. This is also reflected in their price which is, at least at the moment of writing, much higher than what most would be willing to pay for an entry level razor. Therefore, we will only be referring to the 2008 – 2015 Arc3 shavers.
A refreshed Series 3
Braun has also updated its Series 3 line in late 2015, but it was more of a visual makeover. The new razors even use the same shaving heads, so the performance is again identical for all Series 3 shavers. The prices are also similar, so we’ll consider both the updated and the older models.
Takeaway: all the different razors in Braun’s Series 3 are pretty much identical in terms of performance; same goes for the Arc3 shavers from Panasonic. The differences between two Arc3 or two Series 3 razors mainly come down to design and included accessories as seen in the example below:
The Braun Series 3 3050cc in the foreground is a dry only razor that comes with an automatic cleaning station. The blue 3040s in the background can be used wet or dry but doesn’t include a cleaning station. The shaving performance between the two is the same.
Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3: what are the differences?
Both the Panasonic Arc3 and the Braun Series 3 are reasonably priced electric razors, featuring a shaving head with 3 individual cutting elements, wet & dry operation (only certain models from Braun) and are best suited for shaving daily or every other day, offering excellent performance for the price.
Let’s now address the things that interest us the most in this Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3 confrontation, the differences.
1. Closeness of the shave
Getting a close shave is probably very high on the priority list of anyone looking to buy an electric shaver.
While a more advanced razor like the Braun Series 7 or a Panasonic Arc5 will provide a closer shave, the Arc3 and Series 3 can yield very good results, especially if you follow a few simple tips.
However, in my personal experience I have found the Panasonic Arc3 to be slightly better than the Series 3 from Braun when it comes strictly to the closeness of the shave.
I can attribute this to the more powerful 13 000 CPM motor that was fitted to the Arc3, their 30 degrees sharpen blades and the curvature of the foils (thus the Arc in the name) which ensures optimal contact with the skin.
↓ Recommended: Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 [review] ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
Also, the Arc3 feels faster and completing a shave takes slightly less time. It also seems to better at shaving longer, flat lying hairs than the Series 3.
2. Comfort during and after the shave
When it comes to comfort, the Braun Series 3 has the edge, at least in my experience.
A Series 3 razor feels smoother and gentler to the skin, while the Arc3 shavers are a bit more aggressive. The downside of providing a closer shave is a small tradeoff in comfort.
↓ Recommended: Braun Series 3 3040s [review] ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
The difference is not that significant and some may not even notice it, but it’s important to take this into account if you have very sensitive skin.
3. Hair trimmer
All Panasonic Arc3 come with an integrated trimmer, while certain models from the Series 3 don’t have one (these also have a lower price).
Panasonic’s popup trimmers are suitable for light grooming and trimming your sideburns, moustache and goatee and are generally sharp and smooth.
Their main drawback is related to the positioning, behind and perpendicular to the shaving head. This makes it difficult to see what you’re doing. A workaround that I found to be quite effective is to remove the foils and the two blades, exposing the trimmer.
The long hair trimmer found on the Braun Series 3 razors is definitely better in terms of ergonomics. It extends beyond the shaving head and it’s more practical and easier to maneuver. On the other hand, Braun’s trimmers seem to be rather dull and you have to go over an area many times to get all the hairs.
#gallery-2 { margin: auto; } #gallery-2 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-2 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-2 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Popup trimmer on A Panasonic Arc3 shaver The hair trimmer found on a Braun Series 3 3040s Trimmer found on the dry only Braun Series 3 3050cc
Overall, the hair trimmers on both the Arc3 and the Series 3 are a mixed bag. But they’re definitely useful, so my recommendation is to avoid the Series 3 razors that don’t include one (like the 3010s or the 3000s).
4. Wet & dry use
All Panasonic Arc3 shavers are suitable for wet & dry operation. They’re also fully waterproof, so you can use them in the shower as well. Panasonics work particularly well with shaving cream, so if you’re into that definitely consider an Arc3.
Braun opted to include razors that can be used wet & dry or dry only in the Series 3. I wouldn’t consider this a minus as you’ll just have to pick one depending on how you’ll be using it. In this article you’ll find a detailed comparison table to see exactly which models from the newer Series 3 allow wet & dry use.
5. Purchase price and running costs
A Braun Series 3 razor and a corresponding Arc 3 from Panasonic, both similar in terms of accessories and capabilities, will also have relatively close prices.
Of course you can find one or the other at some great discounts and in that case you should probably go for the cheaper one. For example, the Braun Series 3 3040s can even be found at half the regular retail price.
However, when it comes to ownership costs, Braun is the clear winner.
All Series 3 shavers use the same blades and foils combo, called a cassette. These cassettes are significantly lower priced than the corresponding parts for the Panasonic Arc3.
The cassette used by the Braun Series 3 line
Moreover, the blades used for the Arc3 razors, even though they seem sharper at the beginning, tend to become dull faster, so you’ll have to change them more often.
Cleaning cartridges will also increase the running costs, but in a similar manner for the Series 3 and the Arc3.
It’s also important to note that since both the Arc3 and the Series 3 have many models, older or newer, the prices can vary to a high degree. So definitely check out as many as you can before buying a particular one.
I would also recommend to stay below the $100 threshold (at least for the models that don’t include a cleaning station) as there are better alternatives for that kind of money (like the Panasonic ES-LF51-A Arc4 or the ES-LA63-S Arc4).
6. Cleaning and maintenance
Both Arc3 and Series 3 have razors that are available with an automatic cleaning station. However, only the dry only variants from Braun’s Series 3 can be bought with one.
I’ll say it right off the bat, Braun’s cleaning stations are superior. They use an alcohol based solution which is better at sanitizing the shaver and the cleaning cycles are short and relatively quiet. They also lubricate the shaver, so that’s one thing you won’t have to worry about anymore.
If you want the convenience of a cleaning station, make sure to check out the Braun Series 3 3070cc below as it seems to be the most reasonably priced of them all. The 3050cc that I reviewed here is also an option.
↓ Recommended: Braun Series 3 3070cc ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
You should also look at older Series 3 models, like the 350cc-4 as you might be able to grab it at a nice discount.
As previously said, they will provide similar shaving performance, so simply buy the more conveniently priced variant.
If you choose to save some money and skip the cleaning station, then you’ll have to manually clean your razor after every use. In this case the Panasonics are easier to clean as the foils and blades can be separated for a more thorough cleaning using a bit of liquid soap and hot tap water.
↓ Recommended: Panasonic ES-LT41-K Arc3 [review] ↓
Check the price on Amazon.com
Braun uses a cassette for the Series 3, with the blades and foils being integrated into a single piece. This makes cleaning more fiddly and time consuming as you have to make sure that hairs, debris or foam are completely removed from the shaving head.
Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3: which one should you choose?
While both the Arc3 and the Series 3 offer very compelling features, due to their differences, there can be situations where one would make a better choice than the other.
Let’s now settle the Panasonic Arc3 vs Braun Series 3 dispute and see which is the right one for you.
Choose the Panasonic Arc3 if you:
Want the closest shaving entry level shaver
Want a faster shave
Want an affordable shaver that is easy to clean manually
Will be using your razor with a shaving cream (Braun doesn’t offer any wet & dry Series 3 with a cleaning station)
Choose the Braun Series 3 if you:
Need a reasonably priced shaver that is suitable for sensitive skin
Have a limited budget and want low running costs
Need an entry level razor with an excellent automatic cleaning system
Will be using your shaver exclusively for dry shaving; the dry only variants from the Series 3 are also cheaper than the wet & dry ones
Lastly, since you can’t go wrong with any of the two series, don’t neglect the purchase price. Since these are budget electric razors, price should be a decisive factor when making your pick. So if you stumble upon an Arc3 or a Series 3 shaver at a great price, simply go for it.