The Obvious Difference

The first thing that you should note, is the obvious difference between these models. While the PowerTouch Pro PT920 is a dry shaver, the AquaTouch is fully waterproof and can provide either a dry shave, or a wet shave using your favorite foam or gel.

So is there much of a difference between a wet and a dry shave? The answer is, not in terms of the closeness of the shave (that’s all about the shaver technology). However, most men do have a preference. Some find that wet shaving reduces the amount of skin irritation that occurs, whilst others find that a dry shave simply leaves their skin feeling dry. It really comes down to personal preference, so you’ll know from experience whether wet shaving or dry shaving is preferable to yourself.

Battery Life

One of the most important features of modern shavers, is the ability to shave wirelessly by powering the shaver with a rechargeable battery. This is a great feature for those of us who don’t have a power outlet in the bathroom, and especially for men who travel frequently.

The batteries of the PT920 and AT890 are very similar. Both take just 1 hour to charge to full capacity. Even more handy, is the fact that both models also have a 3 minute quick charging feature. This means that if the battery is dead, you can charge it just enough for one full shaver within 3 minutes. As any man who’s found their shaver battery dead just before an important meeting can attest to, this feature could well be a life-saver.

In terms of battery capacity the PowerTouch PT920 has a slight advantage, offering 60 minutes battery life compared to the 50 minutes that you’ll get out of the AT890. It’s only a small difference, but does mean that the PT920 can give you an extra shave which could be handy for men who do a lot of traveling; every little helps in that situation!

Shaving Technology in The PowerTouch PT920

When it comes to shaving, the Powertouch Pro PT920 is generally more advanced than the Aquatouch.

One of the major advantages of the PT920 is the fact that it is triple-track. This gives the shaver around 50% more shaving surface, allowing it to cover more of the skin and capture more hairs with each stroke. Ultimately this means that you’ll need to spend less time shaving, as the shaver will catch more hairs each time. This is a major advantage that the PT920 has over the Aquatouch.

Another thing that the PT920 has that is lacking in the Aquatouch, is its SmartPivot technology. The heads don’t just flex in and out, but they also pivot about the base. This allows the shaver head to follow the contours of your skin more precisely, thus reducing friction. Less friction means less skin irritation.

The PT920 also comes with a charging stand, and a travel pouch.

Shaving Technology in the Aquatouch AT890

Apart from the fact that it is fully waterproof, the Aquatouch is quite a bit simpler than the excellent PT920. In fact, the PT920’s shaving technology beats it hands down; the Aquatouch has little to offer in terms of shaving over the PT920.

One notable difference is its skin protection system, which is simple caps which cover the shaving foils in order to protect the skin from getting cut by the blades.

As we’ve mention, the Aquatouch is fully waterproof meaning that it can be used in the shower and it can also provide a wet shave with a foam or gel. The PowerTouch is only a dry shaver, in comparison.

Instead of a travel pouch, the Aquatouch comes with a shower hanging pouch (which you could also use for traveling (although it’s not as padded and protected as the dedicated travel pouch that comes with the PowerTouch).

The major advantage that the AquaTouch has over the PowerTouch is it’s price. It’s quite a bit cheaper, so if you’re on a budget then the AT890 will probably represent much better value to you than the PT920.

Similarities: What The PowerTouch and AquaTouch Have In Common

First off, both of these shavers incorporate Philips excellent Super Lift and Cut technology. This means that there are two blades within each shaver head. The job of the first blade is to lift your hair, so that the second blade can cut it as close to the skin as possible. Philips shavers that use this technology have a wonderful record of providing a very close shave, so it’s a more than welcome addition in the PowerTouch and AquaTouch ranges.

As already mentioned, both the PT920 and AT890 have similar batteries. Both are fully chargeable within just 1 hour, and both have a 3 minute quick charge feature which will give you enough battery charge for one full shave in just 3 minutes.

Both models come with a pop-out precision trimmer from trimmer sideburns and mustache. Whilst this might seems like a standard feature, you’d be surprised about the number of shavers on the market that neglect this simple but essential tool; gladly it’s present on both models.

Being fully waterproof the AT890 can easily be cleaned by rinsing it under the tap. Even though you can have a wet shave with it, the PT920 also offers this feature too. This means that both of the shavers are very easy to clean after you’ve finished shaving.

Philips provide a 2 year warranty as standard on both of these shavers, meaning that you’re covered for parts and labour (excluding accidental damage of course) for 24 months after purchase.

Should You Go For? The PowerTouch or the AquaTouch?

Simply put, due to its advanced shaving technology, my preference is for the PowerTouuch PT920 by quite a long way.

There are a couple of caveats to this conclusion, however. If you’re on a budget, and saving money is important to you, then you should go for the AquaTouch as it’s quite a bit cheaper. With Philips excellent Super Lift and Cut technology built in, you’ll still get a great shave at a more affordable price.

Second, if you’re the kind of guy that likes to have a wet shave then the choice is very easy for you; the AquaTouch.

If neither of these apply to you, then I’d say the PowerTouch wins hands down. It’s a fantastic shaver, and is currently available for about 50% online!

Philips are the masters of the Rotary electric shaver, and indeed it was Philips who invented the rotary shaver mechanism back in the late 1930s and released their first shaver in the Netherlands.

Braun, on the other hand, specialise in foil shavers. These shavers have an oscillating mechanism which is covered by a thin, but strong, metal foil. Braun haven’t been in the shaver game as long as Philips, but having released their first foil shaver in 1950s, they still have over 60 years of experience under their belt.

Who is cheaper, Braun or Philips?

As both companies have a wide variety of models available, generally speaking, both companies have models out that can satisfy most budgets. That said, Braun shavers cover the midrange to higher end of the market, and will set you back between $45 and $150. If you’re looking to spend as little money as possible, or maybe just need a simple and cheap shaver to touch up on the go before meetings, then Philips are your only choice. They cover the low to high end of the market, with pricing varying wildly between just $12 to $250.

As a consequence of Braun’s tighter focus of the mid to high end of the market, they do have a lot less models available for purchase. This definitely makes your buying decision easier if you’re going with a Braun shaver, as compared to the confusing number of models which Philips offer.

Foil vs Rotary

As we’ve mentioned, Braun make foil shavers whereas Philips produce rotary shavers. Most men have a preference. Whilst there have been no official studies, the anecdotal evidence usually points to rotary shavers providing a closer shaver than rotary shavers. However, it’s generally agreed that foil shavers cause a lot less irritation and rashes on the skin after shaving.

As you can see, both shaving mechanisms have their benefits and pitfalls. If you do suffer with enflamed skin after shaving, then buying a Braun foil shaver will probably be the safest bet.

Battery Life

These days, most electric shavers tend to be rechargeable. Whilst this is a lot more convenient for those people who don’t have a power outlet in the bathroom, it does mean that you need to consider battery life. There’s nothing worse than getting half way through a shave only to realise that the battery is going to die before you’ve finished!
Modern Lithium batteries tend to perform very well, but there is still some difference between models. Generally, a mid-range or high-end shaver with a decent battery will take just 1 hour to charge. Bare in mind though, that these quick charging batteries will not be supplied at the lower end of the market where charging times will be much longer.

The amount of shaving time that you’ll get out of your Braun or Philips shaver is pretty comparable, however when it comes down to it Philips shavers have the edge. Philips latest shavers provide a full 60 minutes of battery life on a single charge, when compared with the 5o minutes that an up-to-date Braun electric shaver will provide.

They Clean Themselves!

One of the most advanced features that you’ll find in a modern electric shaver, is the one-touch cleaning function. This means that the shaver comes with a docking station which holds your shaver after you’ve finished shaving. Simply hit a button, and the docking station will clean, dry, lubricate and charge your shaver automatically. Such docking stations usually take a special cleaning fluid which also kills 99.9% of germs and leaves your shaver smelling lemon-fresh.

Both Braun and Philips shaver models offer this advanced feature, with several mid to high-end choices available.

So Which Company Sells The Most Shavers?

Both Braun and Philips have very popular shaver models on the market, but Philips have the edge in popularity also. We took a look at the Top 10 bestselling electric shavers on amazon.co.uk, and found that 5 of the 10 were made by Philips as opposed to 3 of them which were Braun. That said, it’s a close battle. With 8 out of the top 10 bestselling shavers being made by either company, they both have shavers flying off the shelves. However, Philips is clearly Britain’s favourite shaver manufacturer.

Customer Satisfaction

At the end of the day, all the features in the world make little difference if the customers don’t have anything good to say about a product. The great thing about the Internet, is that it is so easy to research what people have said about certain products; it’s a fast way to avoid buying a dud.

We’ve taken the customer ratings off all the currently available Braun and Philips shavers, and worked out the average satisfaction level of customers of both companies. Again, Philips have a slight lead here too, with 92% of customers rating their shavers 3 stars or higher as opposed to an 86% rate for Braun. Still, there’s not a huge amount in it, and it should be noted that several of Braun’s older models did drag down their overall rating.

As you can see, customer satisfaction is very high for both manufacturers, so either will be a pretty safe bet.

So What’s The Conclusion – Who’s Better?

Out of the factors that we’ve considered, Philips did have a slight lead over Braun. When you take into account the higher customer satisfaction level, and the fact that Philips are clearly Britain’s favourite shaver manufacturer we’d have to say that Philips would be the way to go. The PowerTouch PT920 is our current favourite for a dry shave, and the AquaTouch AT890 would be our shaver of choice for wet shaving with foam or gel.

The exception to this, would be if you are a sufferer of sensitive and irritable skin. In that case, a rotary shaver might well be too harsh for you and a Braun foil shaver would be an excellent alternative. The Braun Series 3 340s-4 is a great foil shaver at a very reasonable price.

All things considered, there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference in it, so we’re sure that you’ll be happy with your purchase whether you decide to go with Philips or Braun for your next electric shaver.

Unfortunately, there is a no simple answer to that question. This is because every man is different, and while one electric shaver might provide a pleasant and rash-free experience for one man, it might set another’s face on fire! There are many factors which contribute to this equation, such as skin type, sensitivity, stubble type and the frequency of shaving.

One of the best things that you can do before jumping into the purchase of a particular electric shaver is to talk to your friends and acquaintances. If you speak to men with similar skin and stubble type as yourself, you can find out what they use and what they find works for them. It’s much better than simply shooting in the dark and finding that you’ve purchased a shaver that irritates your skin, as once you’ve used it, you might find it hard to send back.

Foil Shavers vs Rotary Shavers

As most men know, there are two main types of electric shavers; foil and rotary.

Rotary shavers are the ones with two or three round metal shaver heads. Inside these heads, the blades spin quickly in a rotating cutting motion. This means that they need to be handled differently to normal shavers. Instead of the usually up and down motion that you’d use with a razor-blade, you pass a rotary shaver across your face in small concentric circles.

Some men think that rotary shavers shave closer than foil ones, but actually there’s not a lot of evidence for this. Choosing the right foil shaver is obviously important. What is clear about rotary shavers, though, is that men with sensitive skin do tend to find them to be a lot harsher than foil shavers. If you read online reviews of even the most expensive rotary shavers, you’ll find quite a lot of men who experience shaver burn after use.

Foil shavers have a long rectangular head, and underneath this the cutting blades make a horizontal side to side cutting motion. What this means for the user, is that they can use the traditional (and easier) back and forth shaving motion, passing the shaver across the face using the same technique as if they were using a regular razor-blade. This means that foil shavers are somewhat easier to get used to using.

Foil shavers are very good news for men with sensitive skin, as quite a lot of men find that they are much more gentle on the skin than rotary shavers. Quite often, men who have suffered with terrible shaver rash from rotary shavers find that it almost goes completely when they begin to shave with a foil shaver. For that reason, any man with sensitive skin should seriously consider investing in a good quality foil shaver.

Which Foil Shavers Are Best? The Top 5 Foil Electric Shavers

There are quite a few excellent foil shavers on the market. They have varying features so rather than try to recommend a single foil shaver, here are five of the best (in no particular order).

1) Braun Series 3 380s-4

The Series 3 range of shavers from Braun has an excellent reputation, and is very popular. Probably the best selling model in this range is the 380s-4. Customers generally find that it gives a good shave, and there are countless reviews from customers who found that they no longer suffered with shaver burn after switching to it.

the 380s-4 isn’t the most feature-packed shaver on the market, but it’s simple, robust and a good performer that is available for a very reasonable price.

2) Braun Series 3 390cc-4

Whilst the 390cc-4 doesn’t offer much different than the 380s-4 in terms of shaving, what it does throw into the equation is a very handy “Clean and Renew” charging station. What this does is automatically clean, dry, lubricate and charge your shaver at the touch of a button. It takes a special cleaning solution that also kills 99.9% of bacteria on the shaver.

Of course, this means that it is a bit more expensive than the 380s-4 model, so if you don’t think that you’d make good use of this feature then it would probably be better to opt for the cheaper model and save yourself a bit of money. But if you think you’d like to come back to a clean and lemon-fresh shaver each time you shave, then the 390cc-4 would be a good choice.

3) Braun Series 7 790

The Braun Series 7 is the most advanced and most expensive of their shavers. It has excellent reviews and a great track record in giving a friction and irritation free shave, however it does come at hefty price. Even discounted, this shaver sells for around £150. If you really do want the best of the best, then the Series 7 is for you, but personally I think that the 380-4s, at a third of the price, is a much more enticing proposition.

4) Panasonic ES-RT51

Braun might be the market leader in foil shavers over the West, but Panasonic lead the pack in Asia. Whilst they might not be as popular over here, Panasonic shavers do still tend to be very well received by the people who buy them. Often cited comments include a close and gentle shave, but people also enjoy their simplicity. The ES-RT51 is certainly a bargain. At less than £40 it isn’t going to break the bank, so if you’re a sufferer of sensitive skin and you don’t have a lot of money to spend, this could be the model you want to go for.

5) Panasonic ES-RF31

The ES-RF31 isn’t laden with gimmicks and features like other shavers in its class, Panasonic seem to have taken a much simpler approach with their shavers. They’ve poured all of their research into designing a robust and powerful shaver that concentrates on giving a close and gentle shave. If you want a simple, workhorse shaver and you’re tired of the gimmicks, then you’ll want to take a good look at this shaver.

The reason for this, is that shaving is a very personal thing. There are so many varying factors involved that it is very difficult to generalize when it comes to recommending an electric shaver to buy. A certain electric shaver may work brilliantly for one man, but perform very poorly for another. There are a number of factors that contribute to this.

What Type Of Hair Do You Have?

The first, is that men have different types of facial hair. Some men have thick and rough hair, while some men have very fine, thin and soft hair. Some mens facial hair lays in very uniform directions, following a straight line, whereas some men have hair growing erratically in all directions.

Is Your Skin Sensitive?

Skin type and sensitivity also have an effect. Whilst some men favor foil shavers in order to get a shave that is free of irritation, just as many men say that rotary shavers are gentlest. It really does depend on your personal skin type.

Electric shaver manufacturers do take all this into account when designing their shavers, but it can be very difficult to build a shaver that can adapt to the many different factors in play here. What this means for someone looking to buy an electric shaver, is that research needs to be done before committing to a purchase.

Check With Other Men

The best thing you can do to find out if a particular electric shaver is suitable for you, is to talk to other men with the same type of facial hair as you, who have used it. If none of your friends or acquaintances have any experience with that model, you should check out customer review online at a site like Amazon.

Start with the negative reviews. These tend to be from men who didn’t receive a satisfying shave from the shaver. Often they will remark on the type of hair that they have, and why the shaver underperformed. You’ll be able to quickly see if the shaver has any trouble cutting your type of facial hair. Reviewers leaving positive feedback don’t tend to elaborate on the type of facial hair they have, so it’s imperative to start with the negative viewpoints first.

The Best Shavers For Light Stubble

Men with thin, soft and wispy hair have it easier when it comes to choosing a shaver. The fact is that when it comes that that kind of hair, almost all shaver makes, models and types will do a good job. Whether you choose a rotary or a foil shaver, a Panasonic or Braun shaver, you should be able to pick one up that will give you a good shave. The good news is that even a cheap electric shaver will do a good job.

There are still a few things that you should consider before buying.

First off, you’ll want to decide if you want to be able to have a wet shave. Remember, not all electric shavers allow this. In fact, when it comes to the cheaper shavers, only a few models have the necessary waterproofing. If you prefer an ordinary dry shave, then any shaver will be fine.

Second, you’ll need to consider the sensitivity of your skin. You’ll need to rely on your own personal experience here, as every man’s skin is different. If you do suffer from sensitive skin, a lot of men report that foil shavers are less likely to cause irritation after shaving so you might want to take a look at foil shaver models.

With these questions answered, it’s time to decide on your shaver. If you’re looking for a wet shave, the cheapest and best shaver to purchase is the Philips AT890. If you’re looking for a dry shaver, then the excellent Remington F7790 foil shaver will do a good job.

The Best Shavers For Thick Stubble

A word of warning; you’ll have to be prepared to spend a little bit more money if you have thick stubble. While a lot of low-end shavers which are on the cheaper side are very good for general use, they don’t tend to cut well for men with thick hair. The more expensive shavers are the ones that a man with thick facial hair is going to need to look at.

So what type of shaver is the best? In general, rotary shavers are the type which cut the closest and they do have a much more reliable track record when dealing with thick and heavy stubble. Some men do get good results with foil shavers, but in general, rotary is the way to go.

Philips make the best rotary electric shavers, hands down. This is due to their patented Super Lift and Cut Technology. This is a dual-bladed technology, which sees two blades in each shaver head. The first blade is responsible for gently lifting the hairs on your face away from your skin, so that the second blade can cut it as closely as possible. We highly recommend Philips rotary shavers for men with thick facial hair.

With that in mind, her are the models that you should take a look at.

The Philips PowerTouch PT920 is a very good shaver with excellent review, which gives most men a very close shave. Do bear in mind, however, that it is primarily a dry shaver; you won’t be able to use a gel or foam whilst shaving. If that’s a deal breaker, then you should also look at the Sensotouch range, in particular the Philips RQ1180cc.

At The End Of The Day It Depends On You!

So at the end of the day, which electric shaver will perform the best really depends on you. Everybody is different! So ask around, check the reviews and think about what type of stubble and skin you have before you buy. It might take a little longer, but you’ll be much more likely to get an electric shaver that does the job well.

But would he be moved to buy the company today, if picking up a modern Remington shaver?

We decided to find out. We weren’t impressed with the Remington HC365 hair clipper, but perhaps the Remington F7790 will fair better. Check out our review to find out.

Just a quick note to let everyone know that our latest review is hot off the press! This time, we’ve been taking a look at the Philips HQ6990 electric shaver from Philips. Now, this is one of the cheaper shavers on the market and is a best seller. It’s not full of advanced and gimmicky features, it brings a very simple approach to the table, which you might appreciate if you don’t want to break the bank to buy a new electric shaver.

We’ll get a video review up as soon as possible, for those who like to watch instead of read.

As with the SensoTouch 2D (which we really liked), the 3D is fully waterproof. This gives you the option for either a wet or a dry shave. More importantly, at least for lazy people such as myself, is that this means all you need to do to clean it is run it under the tap. Job done.

But is this shaver really worth it, and can it really give a shave that is approaching the closeness of a razor blade? Check out our video review below. You can also take a look at our detailed written review, along with the full specifications and customer feedback here.

We might not be quite there yet, but we’re certainly getting closer. This week, we’ve taken a look at the Philips RQ1280 SensoTouch 3D electric shaver. We were really impressed with the SensoTouch 2D, and it’s bigger brother, the 3D, promises to be even better. Head over to our review for all the details, and also discover where you can pick one up for 10% off.

Before you do, you might want to take a quick look at the below video, which explains the differences between the SensoTouch 2D and 3D models:

But good looks and features don’t necessarily cut it; you need to be sure that you’re going to get a good shave. Does the HQ7390 do the job, or is it one to be avoided? Check out our exclusive review to find out!