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Braun
Braun Series 3-340s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver - Braun
Philips Norelco
Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Shaver 2100 (Packaging may vary) - Philips Norelco

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Braun http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fwg34CUqL._SL160_.jpg
Braun Series 3-340s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver - Braun
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Philips Norelco http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ty5iBbGCL._SL160_.jpg
Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Shaver 2100 (Packaging may vary) - Philips Norelco
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eComparisons Score
eComparisons ScoreThe "Comparison Score" Is calculated based on the average number of times this item was compared with other items in this category by our users
8.2
8.4
User Rating (Amazon)
User Rating (Amazon)

Five Star Reviews:

59%
Very good value
March 11, 2017
I bought mine April 2014 and it finally broke a month ago (February 2017). The grooming tool part of it somehow got pulled up and off, but the roller blade part still works.The roller part of the system will shave close enough that, from a normal handshake distance, my face appears to be completely bald. If you look closely, some extremely short hair remains. It cannot get close enough to replace a straight blade, but no electric razors really can. You cannot get skin-close, but close enough for me. If you want to be completely skin-close shaven, you must understand that this product is not meant to replace a manual razor or barber.The back of the razor is what I use most. The grooming tool. If you drag it across your face it will leave a good 5 o'clock shadow length, nice and even and effortlessly. I can wake up hung over and 30 minutes late and trim my facial hair in less than 5 minutes and be on my way to work. I think that's the market niche that this product nails the best. I only use the roller blade maybe 4 or 5 times per year.In my opinion it works best on dry skin, against the grain. I haven't used it in a long time wet, but I do remember that it doesn't work as well wet. I've used it in sensitive areas too. It pulls a little but not enough to complain.I'm going to try to replace my broken unit with one of the exact same model if it's not out of production.
The Best Electric Shaver
March 21, 2016
Firstly, I have not been compensated in any way for a review, ever. I never post reviews but I love this razor and found a lot of the information here to be totally inaccurate. I am in my 30s and have always had a very coarse beard. I have had about 12 electric razors over the years of every major brand other than Braun, and I inevitably gave up on them after a few months and returned to shaving with a blade. Most of these shavers are now in a box in the closet. This was my first Braun razor and I love it so much I bought a second one as a spare. It works great wet or dry with no irritation. I usually shave dry after waking up and it has no problem cutting through the various lotions I've put on my face overnight. I have never had any pulling, irritation or missed areas. One needs to go over an area multiple times with any shaving method and this razor is no exception. No method renders one's face baby-butt smooth with one pass, particularly with a coarse beard. It isn't magic. An experienced barber's hand guiding a straight razor still requires multiple passes on a face. That being said I can get a really smooth shave with about 3 passes alternating with/against/tangential to the grain of my whiskers - not bad on a dry face with no pre-shave ritual (wash, shave oil etc.). I have noticed a huge improvement in ingrown hairs and general irritation since switching from a razor - but as you so often hear give your whiskers about a month to adjust to a new shaving method. One charge lasts me about 10 days. I always drain the battery fully before recharging as I hope that by babying it, the battery will last longer. I also oil the blades weekly to try and optimize them. I hope this shaver gives me many years of use and I will only buy Braun in the future.
Works for my boyfriend and I
January 2, 2016
Got this for my boyfriend and I. It works wonders for my legs and for his facial hair. Very close shave. My legs would get infected easily because I have sensitive skin and I have mild keratosis pilaris. Before getting this I could not shave at all. Gel shavers would cause me and my skin allergy, disposable razors would flare up my legs in a terrible folliculitis and women shavers are horrible, they are overpriced and don't shave at all! Women shavers are a joke. If you're a woman get the real deal. My dermatologist recommended getting a good shaver. Along with my derma's help, prescriptions and a routine I have been able to shave my legs for the first time in months without the aforementioned problems.I love this shaver and I give it 5 stars because I cannot find any cons for this as of right now.Pros:• Rechargeable• Battery lasts a lot• Close Shave• Smooth on skin• Can shave off any hair and if not just use the trimmer• Very easy to clean• Can use in shower• Works on all kinds of body hair (fine to thick, curly to straight)• Good deal
One or two trips to the store to buy standard shaving blades will pay for this electric shaver.
April 29, 2015
This is an excellent shaver and impervious to water. After you use it just remove the foil shave head and wash it out under warm water. I keep it charged all the time by perching it on its charger, but I think you could go a couple of weeks between charges. I recall one reviewer saying he seldom charged it. This shaver has a sideburn and mustache trimmer that is a nice touch, just be careful when you get close to ears, nose or any body part because it can nick you. It can be elevated and retracted so make sure it is retracted until you're ready to do trimming, and then keep it facing the opposite direction. It will keep your sideburns and mustache nicely sculpted. I like the look, feel, and ease of use of this shaver. It is an outstanding value and an excellent example of the latest shaving technology. You can even use it in the shower, or shave with cream of gel for a real smooth shave, although the lubrication somewhat defeats the cutting ability of the shaver. If you want a 5 o'clock shadow or stubble effect, shaving with cream is the way to go, and it makes for a relaxing, comforting shave. I'm really glad I discovered this shaver because it has saved me tons of $ on straight shaver blades. This shaver is strongly recommended; it delivers a smooth, clean shave and you will not be disappointed. One or two trips to the store to buy standard shaving blades will pay for this electric shaver. You can use it to shave body hair with decent results, but again, watch out for nicks with the retractable sideburn trimmer. This shaver is primarily designed for facial shaving.
Surpassed Expectations
January 10, 2015
After reviewing several electric shavers, I bought this one as a Christmas gift. My guy has very sensitive skin, so I was worried about the shaver irritating his skin. Also, he's not someone who is going to read through manuals and follow specific cleaning directions. I wanted a shaver that'd be easy to clean and delicate on skin. At first, I considered a Panasonic shaver due to the simple rinse-under-water cleaning method. But for the Panasonic, several reviews mentioned the need to replace foils and blades every 6 months. In addition to this, they were also displeased by the expense of such foils and blades.The Braun Series 3-340s checked all the boxes and exceeded my expectations. The closeness of shave is as good as a five blade Gillette razor, with no irritation. I really can't tell the difference in the shave between the shaver or the razor. In terms of the battery, he charged it for half the day on Dec. 26th, and he's used it nearly every day since (today being 1/10) and the battery is still working strong from the initial charge. The shaver is very easy to clean by shaking it under running water. Also, the manual states to replace the foils every 18 months, plus they are half the price of the Panasonic foils.I didn't expected him to use it so often, let alone call it his favorite gift. All around, we are both extremely pleased with this product.
I'm one of those people who has never had any luck with electric shaver, but this one is GREAT!
May 24, 2014
I've never been able to use an electric razor because every time I did my face always ended up very dry and/or torn up. I'm not sure if it's just my skin or the razors I've chosen, but since I have been using the Braun 3Series 340S-4 Wet & Dry Shaver I have not had ANY of these problems. It's super easy to clean, it charges quickly, and it fits well in my hand while shaving. Oh, and the price is great.Pros:1. This shaver is excellent - it provides the best shave I have ever had from an electric shaver, and it comes about 90% as close as the shave I have been able to achieve with disposable razors.2. The shaver works dry, wet (with just water), and wet (with shaving cream). It can also be used in the shower without any risk of damage. I found that it cuts best with shaving cream after wetting your face with warm water, but I have dry shaved with it as well and it does quite well.3. It is VERY easy to clean. The directions recommend adding a drop of oil to it once a week if you clean it under water, but that is a small inconvenience for the ease of cleaning achieved by running it under water while running. It takes somewhere between 15 - 30 seconds to thoroughly clean the head. Ease of cleaning was one of the major reasons I had not recently tried an electric shaver, but this makes it easy.Cons:None that I can think of now.
60%
Fantastic freakin razor
April 24, 2017
I read a lot of "great razor for the money" but besides not being able to get wet (which is the case with every other electronic item I own minus one waterproof speaker), what more can you ask for? Normally I wait a while to give a review after I've used something for a fair amount of time, but I can tell you from one use that this thing shaves super smooth like a razor and shaving cream. I am definitely a fan and already recommending this to my friends, (one of whom already owns a Norelco razor and loves it).
but I'm so darn happy that I feel compelled to make an exception here
April 19, 2017
I don't write a lot of reviews, but I'm so darn happy that I feel compelled to make an exception here. I am one of those unfortunate ladies with PCOS and a lot of unwanted facial hair. Hair removal creams either burn or don't work, epilators are TERRIFYING, and there is too much to tweeze. So I eventually just gave up and started using an electric razor. Up until now, I was using a razor designed for women. When that died, on the advice of friends, I looked for a men's razor because, hey, I'm not that attached to pink. AND WOW this thing has made all the difference.With my old razor, it took a many passes over thick stubborn hair to get it off- with this MAYBE a few. Most of the time just one. And because of this- and also because it doesn't pull on the hair the way the old one did- the entire process is now painless, which is so great I could just cry. The motor is also super quiet, which is nice. Having a loud razor is just kind of an annoyance.I haven't had it really long, so I haven't had time to encounter many problems yet. The only real downside I foresee is the eight hour charging time, but the manual says you can use it while plugged in, so that may not be an issue. All around, EXTREMELY happy.
but I couldn't be happier. Now
February 17, 2017
After years of knicking and cutting myself with traditional razors (I have sensitive skin), I decided to give an electric shaver a try. I went back and forth and held off for a while because of reading negative reviews, but I couldn't be happier. Now, I not only don't cut myself, but my skin feels just as smooth (if not smoother) when I use this shaver as it did with other razors.The battery charges in about eight hours and I can usually get two or three good shaves out of it before I need to recharge. I don't have a problem with that.It has another small pullout razor that can be used to trim up sideburns or neck hair.It's portable, quite, holds a good charge, is easy to clean, and does a great job of shaving!Buy it, try it, or you'll never know!
Goodbye, Gillette...
September 29, 2016
I'm not to go too deeply into reviewing a different product; so, I'll be quick about Gillette:At my age of 33, I am not a novice when it comes to shaving and yet, it went wrong... Yet, even though I installed a new set of blades, I bled quite badly after it cut me...They've lost a customer, what else can I say?Anyway, Gillette lost a customer, whereas Philips gained one and yet, it's not the very first electrical shaver I have used.Pros:+ No more risk of getting cut+ No more soaping+ No more rinsing the blades every few seconds+ Blades need to be replaced much, much less frequently+ I just approach a mirror and shave without preparing my skin for it anyhow; so, I can be done in about 5 minutes+ Shaving can be done faster if I move the shaver along my face in circular motion (Good luck trying that one with Gillette...)+ Works either corded or cordless, if you choose to pre-charge itCons:- It needs to be cleaned with a brush (included in the package) after every shave, or if you have one of them usb-powered vacuum cleaners, besides cleaning your keyboard with it, you can clean this shaver as well.- If you don't shave every couple of days, your facial hair grows too long and then this shaver is going to pinch your hair more often than not; however, thanks to the popup trimmer this shaver has, you can take care of them long bristles on your face- Due to the way heads are designed, it will not shave you as close as Gillette does; however, once again, it will not cut you eitherOverall, six positives vs three semi-negatives: it's been a great deal for me!
Great bang for the buck!
December 24, 2015
I've been a Norelco user for many decades and must say that this is a great, replacement shaver! I've tried a Norelco 4600, which was slow, didn't shave as close, can't be plugged in and used it if the battery is low, and cost more than triple the amount of this 2100. That's right, the performance of this shaver is far superior over the more expensive Norelco. Also, saw the positive reviews for this shaver and am glad I got this one. Highly recommended!
Best Norelco ever
April 3, 2013
Over the years, I've had a number of electric shavers, most of them made by Norelco. I bought this one because it was more convenient to have a cordless one when I was recovering from an injury. This one is so quiet that, at first, I wasn't sure it was working! It also cuts closer and better that previous Norelco's I've owned. They must have re-designed the heads or something to get it to cut so smoothly and quietly.

Four Star Reviews:

18%
The Best I've Used
July 30, 2016
This is my fourth electric shaver in the last 20 years. This is the best of them.I generally only shave every third or fourth day--I'm lazy. Other shavers had a tendency to pull at the longer whiskers. No pulling, here. That middle clipper row seems to shorten the longer hairs so the foils can handle them in just a few passes.I also appreciate that the cutting blades and foils are integrated into one unit. The design makes cleaning this thing is super easy, though I wish the little cleaning brush had a longer handle.Seems to have a solid battery, though I don't shave frequently enough to really stress it. I wish it could be used while plugged in, but if the battery is as good as it seems, it won't matter.I personally haven't had any irritation.This is a very good shaver for the price.
By far the best electric shaver I've used
July 22, 2016
By far the best electric shaver I've used. I got a 7series and it's not nearly as good. This morning I tried my best to get as much as I could off of a week old beard from the 7series, and it left me with a fairly grainy 5 o'clock shadow. Tonight at 8pm, I used the 340s-4, dry, without a mirror, and with the same five minutes and it left me very smooth except for the places I missed. I've also got a I think, 760 series at work, it functions well with a mirror so I can notice spots I missed, same with this one, but this one is much, much better and smoother.The 7series doesn't have the same: I've been lazy and need to use the beard trimmer for my beard before I start using the typical blade, option. For me that hits about a week and a half of not shaving. This one and the 760 does have that option. You get rid of the rough stuff with the beard blade first, maybe twice, then the actual blade works much better. I didn't read the 7series manual, but I figured it'd do both.In short, I'd give it a 5 star, but I don't think head is adaptive enough. You need to spot check the areas you think you've gone over. Yet, it's still the best electric shaver I've come across. And I still use the 340 at work to touch up when I run out of time in the morning before work. My 7series seems like it's trying to leave me gruffy. Again, this is my experience and I am not leaving a negative review on the 7series, as some people like that look, and I'm far more used to this model.I think it's an excellent razor, especially for the price.
Best shaver under $100 that I've ever owned
July 10, 2016
Works better than the Panasonic shaver I bought for $90+ & the Philips shaver u got for 90+. Well worth the money. Don't let the fact that it was built in China deter you. I bought a Panasonic that was made in Japan but it seemed faulty. I don't know if it was or just plain bad. This one gives me a smoother shave than that one did.its not perfect. It has trouble shaving around & under my chin neck area but it does better than majority of other shavers I had. Ironically the pocket go $30 shaver I got from Braun may do the neck/chin area a bit faster. I haven't done a direct comparison, I'm only relying on my sometimes faulty memory.... But anyway this has been my best electric shaver thus far. I tried a Remington $40 shaver and didn't like that one either. I'm sticking with Braun foil shavers for life. Braun gives me the closest shave. The others left shadow of stubble or hairs behind or small cuts or all 3.
Best value in Series 3 product line
December 13, 2015
Battery has performed exceptionally over the past three months. Single charge is more than adequate for a FULL shave.Designed with solid construction that's easy to clean. Provides a close shave dry and an even remarkably closer shave wet with lubricant, a worthy upgrade from the Braun 3Series 320S-4 Shaver. Both models advertise a waterproof design for easy cleaning, but only the Braun Series 3-340s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver (this product) is recommended for wet shaving. I'm not brave enough to test the lower $60 model in the shower. This is definitely cleaner and more convenient than other electric razors I've owned.Price is a little steep, but by far a better value than the Braun 3Series 380S-4 Wet and Dry Shaver ($80 seems absurd for a travel case, "lockable head" and otherwise identical product). Comes complete with oil and cleaning brush. Clear cover and optional charging stand provide a nice bonus.The top-heavy appearance gave me initial concerns about the device tipping over in the charging stand, but I've yet to knock it over once. Regardless, the charging plug is removable to plug directly into the device if necessary.Shaver has occasionally generated a little heat after excessive use, but not enough to cause burn or real discomfort. My biggest issue is with the replaceable cutter head itself: after three months use, it appears to have dulled somewhat (although it's possible I simply haven't cleaned it regularly enough). Braun recommends changing the cutter every 18 months, but we'll see if that comes sooner.The cutter head also has a tendency to pop off the razor body unintentionally while in dry use, sending hair clippings everywhere. Fortunately, this has been infrequent and only in case when moderate force was applied (trying to get a close shave in a hurry).Overall, a recommendable product worthy of the price (especially if you can catch it on sale).
A worthy successor
December 9, 2013
My Norelco of, oh, let's say 14 years because who can tell, finally started to go on me and I decided it was time to upgrade, after enveloping myself in the bevy of reviews and opinions in this apparently gargantuan electric shaving community it became clear a foil shaver would resolve my irritation issues - or so I was told. Well I'm happy to report in a time when we are constantly lied to this was not the case, the shave is much faster, very close, precise, and the attached trimmer is miles better than the rarely-used apparatus on my old one. I've even taken to using it for back hair and keeping the sideburns in check, it's so good the first time I cut off more than I thought it could handle yet the trimmer sliced through the sideburn like a hot knife through butter. The sole reason I dock a star is the planned obsolescence, which is something I will always hold against a product, the reason Norelco lasted through three and a half presidential terms is the ability to use it while plugged in, thus bypassing the dead battery, Braun has chosen to gloss over this feature. I am left wondering if I can rip it apart to replace the battery, google indicates I can take it apart, but indeed it seems replacing the battery is another matter entirely and I expect Braun would devour two legs and five fingers to do so.Overall I am very satisfied with the closeness of shave, the lack of irritation, and the features of this shaver, and dissatisfied with planned obsolescence.
Works well
April 28, 2012
In the past few years I've owned a Panasonic wet-dry "linear motor" razor and a Norelco HQ9-head rotary. The Panasonic cut very close, but was somewhat loud and would sometimes miss some neck stubble, leaving scattered whiskers to grow longer and longer. The Norelco was very quiet and got the stubs, but didn't give as close a shave as the Panny.The 340S-4 shaves close, almost as closely as the Panasonic, but is quieter, and it picks up neck stubble well. However, it's still very audible from the next room, unlike the Norelco. So far I've used it for two weeks on its first charge.Unless you need the very quiet operation of a rotary, this razor is a fine choice. The more expensive versions in the Braun "S" line appear to be built slightly "prettier" but they have features I've tried before and don't want to pay for again (a "cleaning system" base). The 340S rinses clean in just a few seconds under the tap.
21%
Basic Razor, better than most in its price range.
July 8, 2016
I bought this for my teenage son while it was on sale and it has worked out to be fantastic. My husband likes the Norelco brand so much he only buys their brand. This particular product is very basic in comparison to some of the higher end Norelcos' but for the price I think it is a great razor. It gives my son a close shave, no rash, and holds a charge quiet nicely. We have had this for over 6 months and have had no issues with it. It is better than most razors in its price range.
Really Good in Some Ways, Just OK in Others - My Plus's and Minus's.
January 14, 2016
Works pretty well. I've shaved with blades for years and finally wanted something portable, take in the car if need-be, low hassle and electric. Also, I was tired of bleeding after a blade shave. My expectations in this purchase and results were:Good Value +1Good warranty +1Good build quality +1Feels good in the hand/good balance/lightweight +1Quiet +1As good a shave as a blade -1As good a shave as I'd hope for in this razer -1Easy to maintain +1Acceptable battery life +1Quick charging -1No Wall Wart charger (ie direct plug into 110v) +1I got in on the $5 coupon deal so - for the money - I'd rate it pretty high. I'm going 4 stars overall. I do believe that the shaving head RPM's on this shaver, which are faster on higher end Norelco's, are probably the reason the shave quality isn't as good as I was hoping for - but, I'm happy and consider this to be a good purchase. It does come with a money back guarantee. All things considered, it gets my recommendation.
Budget Electric razor, tried and true
January 13, 2016
The Phillips Norelco 6948XL/41 Shaver 2100 is the second electric shaver that I have purchased from the Phillips line of razors.Overall the product is boxed nicely and has everything needed to maintain the product including a charger and small brush to remove debris. The razor itself has a great build quality with a light weight in the hand and an ergonomic grip.The performance of the razor was somewhat expected giving an adequate shave but not very close one. The flexible rotors make it easy to hit problem areas of the face and it is easy to get a quick shave (from stubble, not a full beard) within 2-3 passes in a circular motion. The accessory trimmer is also useful for sideburns, tricky mustache hairs and between the eyebrows.Some electric razors have been known to cause irritation and breakouts, especially dry razors. The Norelco did not exhibit this characteristic provided my face was warm and slightly damp after a shower. Doing this opens up the pores and softens the hairs. No shaving cream required.This product delivers in being a budget razor with the versatility of being rechargeable and portable. It is great in a pinch when a quick shave is needed but of course cannot replace a good wet shave. Overall I am satisfied with this purchase.
Great shaver for the price
January 11, 2016
I've never owned an electric shaver, but I decided I would purchase this one due to its price.I was definitely not dissappointed.Pros:QuietNo razor burnCheapCons:Doesn't shave as close as razors.Details:It can be a hassle to shave, especially when you're low on time. This shaver makes shaving so quick and easy. I can get a reliable shave in 10 to 20 seconds. It doesn't shave as close as razors, but it's doesn't make a visible difference. The only way I know that it isn't shaving as close is when I run my hands over my face. Because of how the shaver works, I can easily use it to trim hairs on other parts of my body, including my back. With razors, it made it very difficult because of the angle I was holding my razor.Finally, it allows for shaving without razor burns. It's really gentle on the skin.For its price, I'd recommend it.
This is a pretty good razor
November 19, 2015
This is a pretty good razor. It is obviously not the best that money can buy but it gets the job done. I let it charge overnight and by the morning it was fully charged. The manual says that it should last 30 minutes on a single charge and I have found that to be true. It seems as the battery gets lower the blades start to spin a little slower and the motors tends to bog down while shaving. It takes a week for your face to get used to shaving with an electric razor if you have been using a traditional razor in the past.The hair trimmer in the back works well for sideburns and trimming the hair around my ears.If you are looking to try an electric razor to save you time and money on disposable blades this one would be a good place to start. It won't shave as close as a blade but it gets me through the day.
I don't like electric shavers as a rule
November 16, 2015
I don't like electric shavers as a rule. No matter how good they are the shave is never as good as a blade. Having said that I found this little shaver to be perfect for an every other day shave. Plus the pop up attachment works great for sideburns and that gross ear and back of the neck hair.

Three Star Reviews:

9%
I like it but it will be expensive to maintain.
November 27, 2015
My point of reference is a Braun 5520 which I have used for many years. PROs - much more quiet than the 5520 and easy to get used to! I figured that it would take me several weeks to get used to and so I made sure before I ordered it that I could get my money back if I was not able to get used to it. But I felt at home with it the very first time I used it. So far as I can tell I am getting as close a shave as I got from the 5520. Also, the recommended replacement interval for the foil and cutterblock is 18 months (with the 5520 I think that it was 6 months). CONs - Mostly I am very irritated that, as with the 5520, the battery will wear out from time to time and cannot be replaced by the consumer. Also I am just a little disappointed that it is not lighter. The 5520 has a metal body so it seems to me that this should be lighter but it weighs exactly the same.This is a wet/dry model, but, after talking to the guy who replaced the battery printed circuit board in my 5520 many times, I don't think that I will get it any where near water. He said that he's never seen a wet/dry model from any manufacturer that didn't have problems.
No need to shave your money
June 4, 2015
It works well enough, however like others have mentioned do not skip a day shaving or you will regret it. Any facial hair that has grown longer than a day has been mercilessly tugged/ripped out of my face by this thing as I'm shaving. When consistently used it provides a good overall shave for an electric razor. Seems like it has trouble in areas where my hair grows thicker such as my chin and upper lip so I usually avoid shaving those with this razor without going over those areas about 5 times with the precision trimmer.
it'll give a nice shave eventually it just takes more patience and passes ...
May 31, 2015
The razor does what it is supposed to in a satisfactory fashion. Overall squarely mediocre in operation, it'll give a nice shave eventually it just takes more patience and passes than the electric razor i had years ago, which to be fair, was a rotary style and more expensive.I still like and intend to use this razor until the head needs replacing so it isn't horrible. In my experience it works best in this order by application; wet shaver < dry shaver < just out of the shower and patted dry/warm dry towel. In the shower it ran downright poorly so if that is your intention i would look at other options.My reason for purchasing was equal parts a preference for electric and frugality. With a standard razor (mach3) i used to go through a blade every 4-5 days @ ~$2 a blade that is $150+ a year. So this razor will pay for itself in a couple months and the same could be done with a top of the line model with a few more months. Used daily or near daily it doesn't take -much- longer to get a good result, but it does sap away a minute or two extra each morning. After a long weekend i would recommend a standard razor around if time is short.It doesn't hurt, pull hairs or anything like that, just misses a few every pass especially on my neck and corner of my jawbone. Looks and feels nice, battery seems good. Considering the price i basically flipped a coin between a 3-4 star rating, it really is a good value, just not great one for my face. Every face is different after all.
TERRIBLE battery life
March 31, 2015
Battery life on this is TERRIBLE. Bought this for travel use but I'm returning it because I would have to charge it after every use. Before the end of one shave, the battery light is already blinking even though it is fully charged at the start.Also, it didn't give a close shave. It feel felt stubbly after a thorough shave. I wasn't expecting a razor close shave but definitely was expecting better.It has a nice build and decent quality overall but the poor battery life kills it for me. I have bought razors have the price of this one that are better quality, closer shave, and I only have to charge once a week!Returning this and would not recommend. Look elsewhere.
Panasonic beats Braun
October 22, 2014
I purchased the 340S to replace my Panasonic ES8103S. I was disappointed. First, it feels like you're holding a brick. Second, there is no comparison between the closeness of shaves. The Panasonic beats the Braun in almost every facet . . . the only exception is noise. The Braun is quieter than the Panasonic.The Panasonic shaves closer, quicker, charges quicker, and replacement blades are also much cheaper.
Good wet shave, dry shave is...eh
January 9, 2013
I have owned countless Panasonic wet/dry shavers over the past 15 years and replaced my last busted Panasonic with this Braun shaver. My review compares this Braun to the Panasonic shavers I've had. I have owned regular Panasonic shavers as well as the ones with the "Linear" motor. I've had the Braun for about 2 months now. I have a pretty thick beard that's still somewhat visible after any type of shave (electric or razor) and I must shave everyday. Regular razors tear up my skin and cause breakouts, so I have to use an electric shaver.Wet shave (while in shower):The Braun is so much quieter than any Panasonic shaver I've owned. The Braun does a nice job with a little bit of foam shaving cream (I don't recommend shaving gels since they are too thick). My shave comes out very close and it only takes about 2-3 minutes. The only part of my face that doesn't come out well is my neck. I usually have to do some touch-ups on my neck after I get out of the shower. I would say the Braun shaves slightly better than Panasonic and a few minutes faster.Dry shave:Dry shaving performance is not acceptable if I was going into work the same day. It simply doesn't shave close enough for my boss' liking. But it's close enough for weekends and days off. Dry shaving is super quick. But I would say the Panasonic shavers work better for dry shaving.Other random thoughts:The Braun seems well made and is a bit bigger than the Panasonic shavers. It charges in an hour using a NiCd battery and I can get about 8-9 days out of a single charge (I expect to charge the unit more often as the battery ages). The trimmer works fine. It also comes with an international voltage charger and a protective cap for the blades to be used when travelling. Braun's marketing material claims this shaver will last 7 years, but I really doubt it! This model of Braun is one of the few Brauns that can be used in the shower- most Brauns are dry shave only. So pay attention to the specs!Overall, I like this shaver better than Panasonic shavers. The problem I have with Panasonic shavers is that the rubber seals break after about 1-1.5 years. When the seals break, water gets in the unit causing the display to malfunction and for the unit to not charge. Panasonic offers a 2 year warranty on most shavers and I sent a couple of shavers in to be serviced, but the seal ALWAYS breaks again a few months later. Then when you get close to the end of the 2 year warranty, the dilemma is "Do I send it in to be serviced again and replace the blades and foil (which are about forty to fifty bucks) and risk it breaking again, or do I buy a new shaver for about ten bucks more?" I always chose to buy a new shaver. (Of course if you use the Panasonic for dry shaving only the seals should be ok for years.) The other problem with Panasonic shavers is the "Linear" motor, which uses a lithium ion battery and is much more powerful than their standard shavers which use NiCd batteries. The Linear motor is so powerful that the vibration loosens up the shaver's case and blade cartridge in a few months and causes the unit to rattle VERY loud when beng used. Interestingly, I found no difference between the shave quality of Panasonic's Linear or standard shavers, but the Linear is a faster shave.Hope this helps.
8%
Good price and performance to see if these are your thing.
July 1, 2016
This is my first electric shaver which I got due to having a good price and good reviews for a starter model as I anticipated I would eventually want a higher end model if this one worked out. I've been using it now for just over a year, and it gets the job done well enough. There are areas that I really have to work at around my neck for this to actually trim, and I get a kind of rash in those areas for a few hours because of it. It works best when the stubble is not too long obviously. The blades are still sharp as I clean them after every other use quite thoroughly, and it cuts just as well now as when I first got it after daily use so that's pretty awesome. But I plan on upgrading to a higher end model once the blades do start getting to the point of replacement.
the shaver sounds like it is running at half power (sounds weaker than ...
April 12, 2016
After 3 months of use, the battery struggles to hold a charge more than 4-5 days of normal use (about 10 minutes of use). Even after recharging it, the shaver sounds like it is drops to half power (sounds weaker than when I first bought it). The company said they will replace it. I previously had a NiCd Norelco model for 10 years without ANY issues (although my older model is much louder). I regret not buying the more advanced Norelco models like the 4500 series.6/15/2016 update: The replacement so far has been holding a charge for a longer period of time. While it does not have the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it does do its job well for the price, so I upgraded the rating to 3 stars. However I am curious how much better the more advanced models work so I will eventually upgrade.
For the price I think it is a good deal. Had I known the effects of a ...
March 5, 2016
The power cord connection for my high end Phillips Norelco shaver from 1999 finally started to fail making the shaver unusable. I looked for something that took the same blades and found this one. My main complaint is that the motor does not rotate the blades as fast as my old one. It takes a little longer to shave because of it and the spinning blades sound a little chincy. I paid $120 for my last one and it lasted 17 years. I paid around $27 for this one and I don't expect it to last as long. I gave it three stars because it still gives a reasonable shave even it if it is a little slower than my old one. For the price I think it is a good deal. Had I known the effects of a slower spin speed I might have gone with a more expensive model. I'll keep using this one until I exhaust my extra sets of blades.
Works ok for me, but my own hair is the one that's unforgiving.
January 12, 2016
Writing objective reviews for things like this is always difficult because this is one of the things that affects the individual.There's nothing really wrong with the product. It cuts. However, it does not work for me simply because my hair is so coarse that when it grows back it gives me bumps (I'm Black, with the coarsest hair possible). However, from an object standpoint, it does cut close. Just make sure that your skin is dry and that you put enough pressure. Hairs are more likely to be missed if you do not. Is it super easy? No. Does it get the job done without needing a razor blade and shave cream? Yes.
Ok. But get the next model up if you can afford it.
January 5, 2016
It seems impossible to get reliable information on shavers. I have been a steady Norelco user for decades. I have tried mid-price foil shavers, the kind my father preferred, but always return to Norelcos. In the past, I got the cheapest model. In my experience, the product lines were similar, and the simplest model worked as well and lasted as long as the higher-priced ones.When my old Norelco seemed to be shaving less closely, I decided to replace it with the 2100 series. This Shaver 2100 is a good product. But it is noticeably inferior to the old one that I was using. The old one shaved more closely than the brand-new one, and the motor on the 2100 series is less powerful.My conclusion: shaver 2100 is probably better than many other brands on the market, and it is a worthy replacement for a blade. This explains the high consumer ratings. BUT I returned mine and spent more for the Norleco model with the "dual precision" blades. I am glad I did.Norelco honors its warranty.
Not Great, But Decent. Good First Shaver
December 17, 2015
First impression is that this is a decent shaver. I have a medium beard and this shaver is totally adequate. But there's quite a bit of backtracking if you let your beard go for a couple days. When I first turned it on, I'll admit I was concerned because I didn't hear the high-pitched whine that I'm familiar with created by faster revolutions of the heads (as judged by past shavers). Obviously more revolutions means more cutting. But, like I said, it does the job and no chaffing so far.If you're in a super rush in your morning routine (as many folks are, simply by preference) you may find that this isn't the shaver for you because of the slight need for backtracking. Or if you have a heavier growth, look for something with a more powerful motor - I haven't tried any myself, but the P-Norelco series 7000 and up have about 3 times the RPMs of their lower models. For a shaver under $30, however, I can't imagine you'd find anything better.

Two Star Reviews:

6%
look elsewhere
October 15, 2016
I've had this shaver for about a year now and all I can say is I'm very disappointed. This is my first braun shaver, I purchased it because all of the hype that surrounds this brand for being the very best shavers available. What I got was a shaver that can't even handle a one day stubble, I can go over my face for a half an hour with this thing and it leaves uncut hair all over. I can't say I've gotten a clean shave once using this shaver, it pulls hair as well which isn't pleasant. I've been using my $15 Remington travel shaver that operates on batteries for the past month or so which does a far better job than this product. I really like the Remington but having to replace batteries isn't ideal or practical so I'm looking for a new rechargeable, something other than Braun. I don't recommend this shaver, I've been shaving for 30 years and this is hands down the worst shave I've gotten from a rechargeable shaver.
I love shaving my "puss" with this baby
May 25, 2016
OMG....I AM A SMOOTH AS A BABY'S BUTT! Or rather my face is. I shave all the hair on my head (the one ABOVE my shoulders) and this darlin' allows me to do it in a snap minus the drudgery of cleaning the shaver (that I experienced with my rotary head norelco). Charging it is a snap too seeing as you just mount it in the charging stand and ZZZip in a few minutes you are all set to go. The only drawback is that it is not a dual voltage...but then, who cares; I have decided to stay on this continent anyway.But, to clean properly, you have to open it and get the "junk" out on a paper towel and throw this in the trash. Too much razor "smegma" casually rinsed off the shaver causes the drain to clog over time! I like Panasonic better!
he opted to change to this Braun after the many good reviews on Amazon
January 23, 2016
I bought this for my husband in September 2015. He had used a Panasonic for a number of years and after the battery life diminished,he opted to change to this Braun after the many good reviews on Amazon. He was very impressed with it. It was much quieter than the Panasonic and he got more quality shaves in one charge than the Panasonic. He is an every day shaver except on Sundays. He used it up to yesterday and it worked fine. The red light indicator indicated a low battery and he charged it as usual. He went to use it this morning and it would not start. An orange light keeps flashing when he presses the power switch but the shaver does not come on. The manual that came with it gives no insight to the problem. He replaced the head to no avail.We expected that Braun with its much vaunted German technolgical know how would have produced a product of much higher quality. A careful examination of the packaging reveals that this shaver was manufactured not in Germany but in China ! So I suppose it is back to Panasonic which experience has shown to be a better quality and more durable product. Buyer beware.
All buzz, no balls.
January 16, 2016
Over many years of shaving I've tried several electric shavers and each time I'm disappointed. I keep hoping the next generation of whisker whackers will improve and each time I feel like a sucker. This time was no exception. Yeah, I know. Ya gits what ya pays for.I really wanted this shaver to work for me. I tried it dry, wet, with lotion, with foam and in every direction. Sorry, guys. I could do better with a dull axe and saddle soap. Back to the Gillette Mach 3's.
Glad I didn't dispose of my rotary shaver.
December 30, 2015
I've been shaving with rotary style shavers, mostly Norelco, for 20+ years. Decided to change things up & try a foil shaver. Won't do this again. the build quality on this shaver is good. It feels solid, nothing cheap or brittle here. But that's about where the good part ends. The shaving experience is loud, but that was expected. But the 2 things that have driven me to junk this shaver after just a month are as follows:1- This shaver does not trap the cut hairs in its shaving head. They fall all over the place. I use an electric shaver so I don't have to stand in the bathroom, over the sink. If I shave while sitting at my desk with this unit, my desk and I get covered in cut hairs. I have never experienced this with a rotary shaver, and I wonder if this is true of all foil shavers, or if this design is just subpar for hair retention. If I have to stand over the sink to shave, I'll use a regular multi-blade razor, because that still offers the absolute closest shave.2- I tend to shave every 2-3 days, as my beard growth is slower than average. Day 3 for me is barely day 2 for most guys. And no matter how long I wait in between shaves, this shaver just won't give me a complete shave. I run my hand over my face & neck, I always find leftover hairs. I go over them again & again, I try stretching the skin, check my shaving angle (instructions said to keep it 90 degrees to the skin surface), etc., etc. and I cannot get a complete shave. No matter how many passes I make, no matter how much time I spend, I always have to pull out my Norelco rotary shaver to finish the job.Goodbye, Mr. Braun.
Not so great
April 9, 2015
My two main problems with razors is I tend to let my beard grow for a few days before shaving (not long enough to warrant the beard trimmer) and my neck is difficult to shave. I was hoping the 'integrated middle trimmer' would help with this. The first time I used the shaver things did not go so well. The foil parts were ripping my hair out as the middle thing simultaneously assaulted my skin but I persevered, determined to finish, eventually getting it done. On the plus side, it has trained me to never let my hair grow too long lest I have to face the wrath of this meat grinder again. Using it with shorter facial hair eliminates the ripping, but not the sawing from that middle thing. The long hair trimmer is average. I am thankful for the money back guarantee and hope it goes more smoothly than my shaving experience.On a side note, this is a great gift for someone you hate who also lets their facial hair grow out for a few days before shaving
5%
Disappointing
July 1, 2017
I normally use a foil razor, but I recently decided to give rotary razors a try. I bought this one because it was relatively cheap and I thought it would give me an idea of what rotary razors are like. Unfortunately, I found this one to be absolutely useless: I had to apply significant pressure before any hairs were removed, and ended up with quite a bit of irritation as a result. It's entirely possible that I was doing it wrong, but I'm also tempted to think that getting a decent rotary razor at this price is not going to happen.
Not for me, takes too long, does not shave close.
June 22, 2017
I really wanted to love this shaver and I wanted to be able to shave quickly at the sink or anywhere. I'm not comparing this shaver to others brands, I'm comparing electric shavers to blade shavers. I bought a no-fog mirror for the shower and started shaving in the shower about 5 years ago. I'm in there anyway, it's fast, and you get a super close shave. The philips takes way too long to shave cleanly and needs many passes across the same areas, it gets really frustrating. I'm going back to blades and the shower.
Good at 25.00 but too slow for higher rating.
February 19, 2016
I have been using this new shaver for about a month, and I evidently have a tough beard, but this shaver hardly shaves any better than the 14.00 Panasonic ES3831K Single Blade Travel Shaver (which i have found to be the best travel shaver). Besides not shaving much closer if at all (except on the neck) the blades on the Norelco 6948XL/41 simply rotate too slow, even though i recharged it as directed, using it until the batteries seemed to run down and them recharging it (about 10 hours).It does have a standard beard trimmer, and it is a little easier to use than the Panasonic due to its 3 floating heads, and I was able to get this shaver for 25.00 thank God, so for that price i give it 3 stars, and those with softer beard likely find it to be better.
Could be better
February 4, 2016
This razor gets the job done, but it's not really a smooth shave really, compared to my last electric shaver which I'm not sure what the brand was.I get a pretty mild amount of stubble for a guy, and I wanted one of these I could use when I don't have time to use a regular razor.I'll spend more next time and get something better. I'd also like to have a charger for my car, which this doesn't have.Update September 2016:It's still working, but I just don't feel like it works that well. I don't even get a ton of stubble, and it seems to take forever to shave, and the shave isn't super. Currently researching it's replacement.
Gutless
December 31, 2015
I was really surprised by this one. I've been a pretty dedicated fan to Norelco shavers for a long time. I always expect quality and good results.This is a cheaper model than most so maybe I should have taken that into account but the fact is, this is much lower quality than I'm used to from this company.The motor inside is very weak. If you have thick beard hair like I do, it takes several times to clear an area with this model and even then I had to finish it off with a safety razor.At more than one point it hesitated as if struggling to keep going smoothly. The power button is also poorly placed. Right where most people's thumbs would be when holding it to shave. I accidentally turned it off a few times as a result.I've never had these kinds of problems with Norelco before. I'll be seeking a replacement for this one however.
Same as my previous model, just feels less powerful
February 19, 2014
I hate that Norelco doesn't sell replacement batteries and discontinues shaving heads after a while.My previous model was working fine, but the battery wouldn't recharge and even the corded operation started being a problem because it first charges the battery (which is just about dead) and the battery powers the heads. This model is just the same, so I know I'll have to replace it eventually, even if none of the parts actually break.Plus, they stopped making the shaving heads for my previous model and I know they will eventually discontinue them for this one too.I bought this one thinking it would be just like the previous model.In many ways it's similar to the previous model, but it feels like the motor is less powerful or somehow just spins slower.Overall, not a bad shaver for the price, but the tricks the manufacturer plays feel cheap to me. Make your money on the blades, not on people having to buy a new device every so often.

One Star Reviews:

8%
Not well designed, potentially dangerous.
November 2, 2016
I held off on reviewing this item for a long time because I had mixed feelings. There are parts of my face it handled better than the Norelco I had been using previously; also parts it handled worse. I threw it away the other day and went back to the Norelco. The thing that moved this out of the realm of performance and into the realm of safety is the head. First, the head containing the screen will come off while you are shaving. This leaves two sets of vibrating plastic arms inside to scratch and cut your face. The fact that the head pops off so easily is very bad. A few weeks ago, I was shaving and started feeling cuts on my face, which should not be possible with an electric shaver. I looked at the head, and parts of the screen had broken, allowing some metal supports underneath it to emerge and scratch me. That was the end of that.
Cheaply made parts
July 5, 2016
Plastic clip holding the foil kept coming off whenever you have to clean the shaver. I've been careful about putting it back on when it happens. Yesterday the part came off again, but this time it went down the drain. I called Braun, thinking they could just send me the replacement clip, but they directed me to an authorized repair service, and they require me to send the shaver in. Which means that I have to pay for shipping, and wait 7 days for them to turn it around. I've been a lifelong Braun user, but just like everything else, newer shavers are not like what they used to be.
The new one worked fine - in fact I bought one for my dad ...
November 5, 2015
Bought one over a year ago....stopped working after about 8 months (battery died even though shows a green light). Called Braun Customer Service (since it was still under warranty) they told me to ship it back and I'd have it repaired in about three weeks. Figured it wasn't worth the time /bother / cost of shipping it back - just bought a new one (thinking the problem was just a one off). The new one worked fine - in fact I bought one for my dad because I liked it so much - so now I'm into just under $175.00 in Braun Shavers for all three . Mine just stopped working AGAIN - same issue battery dead even though still shows a green light !!!!!!!! I called customer service explained to them what the problem was this time also noting I've bought three so far - this had the same issue as the first. Rather than offering to send me a replacement right away (not that I was looking for a freebie - but come on - I've spent $175.00 so far !!) they told me to ship it back at MY COST and wait three weeks (which I did). Ok....its now been two weeks and I've emailed customer service for status - NOTHING - CRICKETS. So - thanks for nothing Braun !!!!!
Disappointingly defective.
August 10, 2015
The rear foil randomly starts violently shaking and making a loud raucous grinding sound. Sometimes it stops grinding when I turn it off and then on, or push on the foil, or take off the head and replace it, or clean it; sometimes it continues despite my attempts to fix it, and the grinding will randomly stop. It is 3 days past the Amazon return cutoff, so I must return it on my dime to Braun and wait 10 weeks for a refund. I will go back to the Panasonic brand. I had a Panasonic that lasted 12 years and the shave was closer. That beats the heck out of Braun.
Pretty horrible.
April 8, 2015
This is the worst shaver I have ever owned. What it does is make noise, what it doesn't do is effectively shave a face. You have to go over your beard at least 5 or 6 times to even begin to get a cut. I wouldn't recommend this product to anyone who is over 15 years of age with an adult beard. As a first shaver, for peachfuzz, it just might work. German engineering, hummmmm....
I am very disappointed with this shaver
January 8, 2015
I am very disappointed with this shaver. I have had for around a month and now it fails to turn on. I will be returning it to Braun. I don't think all Braun electric shavers are bad. I found a 7 Series and it performs very well. I'm totally satisfied with it.
6%
Guess you get what you pay for...
March 29, 2017
I bought this for my husband; it is very light weight and takes a very long time to charge for a very short run time. He also said that he felt as if it runs too slow. It actually pulls hairs out rather than cut them. It all of a sudden just stopped working this past week. It still turns on and sounds like it was spinning, but it is not shaving at all.
such a waste as i could buy Brown or Remington which has ...
November 28, 2016
i got this product on May 2016 since then, i purchased new blades twice for that product !!! such a waste as i could buy Brown or Remington which has much better and long lasting bladesi will never get this product again. the machine seems great but if i need new blades every two months its a waste of time and money !!Omri Linder
Not Such a Great Product
August 7, 2016
Not a great product at all. Wasn't a close shave, didn't shave correctly (meaning it shaves in spots), also very painful in my opinion. The only good thing was it held a decent charge.
The charger that comes with it is a cheap all-purpose charger
June 23, 2016
The charger that comes with it is a cheap all-purpose charger.The picture I am sharing: On the left, the shipped charger. On the right, an older norelco charger I had for 4 years. You can clearly see the differences.And it wasn't a mistake, I already replaced this item once and received the same item again.
Cheap and Terrible
May 25, 2016
I wasted my money. For a $60 razor this is a joke. It is cheaply made, the blades are rough and is all around low quality. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
I hate that I paid for this
March 19, 2016
I hate that I paid for this. I never like leaving a negative review but I bought this product because of the positive ones. I will use it, then use an actual razor to clean up the stubble that it misses. This is my second electric razor and I regret paying for it.
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Pricing info
Old Price
Old Price
Price
Price
$179.99updated: Mar 19, 2020
$189.99updated: Mar 18, 2020
Features
Answered Questions
Answered Questions
Article Number
Article Number
0069055862391
0885211726471
Binding
Binding
Health and Beauty
Health and Beauty
Brand
Brand
Braun
Philips Norelco
Currency
Currency
USD
USD
Formatted Price
Formatted Price
$80.99
$39.99
Height
Height
344.1 in
379.9 in
Length
Length
240.2 in
136.6 in
Manufacturer
Manufacturer
P & G
Philips
Model
Model
340s-4
6948XL/41
MPN
MPN
340S-4
6948XL/41
Number of Items
Number of Items
1
1
Number of Parts
Number of Parts
340S-4
6948XL/41
Product Group
Product Group
Beauty
Beauty
Product Type
Product Type
BEAUTY
BEAUTY
Publisher
Publisher
P & G
Philips
Quantity
Quantity
1
1
Release Date
Release Date
2013-03-20
2013-04-12
Reviews
Reviews
Score
Score
8.4
8.6
Studio
Studio
P & G
Philips
Warranty
Warranty
Two year limited warranty
FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTYPhilips Electronics North America Corporation warrants each new Philips Norelco Product,Models 1290X/1280X/1280XCC/1260X/1250X/1250XCC (except cutters and combs) againstdefects in materials or workmanship for a period of two years fr
Weight
Weight
3.5 oz
3.1 oz
Width
Width
105.5 in
268.1 in
Feature
Feature

Worlds NO 1 Foil Shaver Brand

Official Electric Shaver of the NFL

Triple action FreeFloat System with improved performance on 3-day beards and great skin comfort.

Wet & dry technology can be used with foams and gels.

Twin foils and an integrated middle trimmer shave progressively closer.

To help simplify your shopping experience, we recently updated this product's packaging and name: 6948XL/41 is now called Shaver 2100. During the transition, you may receive the product in either old or new packaging.

CloseCut heads cut up to 25% closer with durable, self-sharpening blades

Flex & Float System follows the many contours of your face to catch more hairs

Integrated pop-up trimmer is perfect for sideburns and moustaches

A great gift, the shaver has corded and cordless power with up to 35 minutes of shaving after an 8 hour charge

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