It is hard to talk about electric shavers and not talk about Panasonic. They along with Braun make the best foil shavers and are the leader in the niche. Panasonic has brought quite a few innovations of their own into this industry. It was they who introduced beard sensor technology, wet shaving ability of electric shavers, and also are credited with introducing the first five-blade shavers.
You would find them on any best electric shaver’s list. You can actually make a list of their own and would find it hard to ignore any one of their shavers, they are that good.
We have written extensively on shavers and in this piece, we have put our experience to work and bring the best Panasonic shavers you can find in the market right now. We will go over their strengths and any potential weaknesses, so without further ado let’s get it started.
Comparing 7 Best Panasonic Shavers
| Panasonic Shavers | Elements | Power (CPM) | Cleaning Station | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic Arc 5 ES LV65 S | 5 | 14000 | No | Check Price |
| Panasonic ARC 5 ES LV97 K | 5 | 14000 | Yes | Check Price |
| Panasonic Arc 4 ES8243AA | 4 | 13000 | No | Check Price |
| Panasonic Arc 3 ES8103S | 3 | 13000 | No | Check Price |
| Panasonic Arc 5 ES LV9Q | 5 | 14000 | Yes | Check Price |
| Panasonic Arc 4 ES LA63 S | 4 | 14000 | No | Check Price |
| Panasonic ES RS10 S | 1 | N/A | No | Check Price |
1. Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S – High-End Performance In A Budget
First up, we have a shaver which is part of Panasonic’s flagship Arc 5 series and belongs to the second generation of the series. The stand-out feature in the Arc 5 series is the five cutting elements which are still unrivaled in a true sense even after a decade of the series’s first release.
In the second generation of Arc 5 shavers, we see a trendier design and top-notch ergonomics. In ES-LV65-S, we see silver and black color scheme which suits this shaver’s new design.
Although Braun has introduced newer designs in their 2020 shavers, ES-LV65 along with Panasonic’s ES-LV67-K is still the best-looking electric shavers right now.
This shaver has a plastic body but does not look plasticky, and has a silver metalhead. We also see an improved 4.5 x 2 cm LED display which shows important details including battery capacity, charging status, whether blades need replacement or whether the shaving sensor is turned on.
ES-LV65 looks bulky but is surprisingly lightweight at 6.9 oz or 195 grams. It has a relatively big head, but with its carved shaft fits nicely into the hand and does not feel head heavy. The sides and back of the shaver have a grippy material which makes the shaver non-slippery. I have to say ES-LV65 has great ergonomics overall.
In terms of performance, as said, the shaver has five cutting elements. This Arc 5 got its name from its tilted head and that it has reverse-tapered foils which have a 30-degree tilt. This tilt increases contact with the skin and enhances the cutting performance of the foils.
In blades, we have two finishing foils which cut very close to the skin, two reverse-tapered foils which lift and cut flat-lying hair and there is one slit blade that cuts long hair to a length where finishing foils can do their job.
ES-LV65-S is powered by a strong motor that delivers 14000 cycles per minute (CPM). This is reasonably better than Braun’s flagship series 9 which performs 10000 CPM. As a result, we have a shaver that performs faster and with its five blades gives a closer shave.
The motor also has shaving sensor technology which reads your beard’s density and changes its power accordingly. The shaving head also is flexible and moves back and forth and right and left.
All these factors combined, five cutting elements, powerful motor, and arched profile of the shaver; means you have a very close shave and your stubble will take longer to grow back.
Among other features, we see the wet and dry ability of the shaver, a pop-up trimmer for touch-ups, and lining and it also has a travel lock that prevents the shaver from accidentally turning on.
ES-LV65 takes an hour to charge and can run for around 45 minutes. This timing is pretty much the standard these days with high-end shavers and competes well with Braun in this regard. And with their lithium-ion batteries, there is little to no self-discharge and a single charge can last you good five to six shaves.
One disappointment is the absence of an auto cleaning and charging system, which makes charging as well as cleaning effortless. However, you can have a similar shaver with all the above impressive features and that too with the station in Panasonic ES-LV95-S.
Overall, there is a lot to like about Panasonic’s ES-LV65-S, especially if you are looking for an electric shaver for a close shave. The overall built, performance, and convenience are top-notch.
Its aggressiveness makes it somewhat unsuitable for people with sensitive skin, but you can mitigate that by using shaving foam and the shaver’s wet shaving ability gives you the freedom to do that. Above all, considering all the features, this shaver comes at a highly competitive price.
- Trendier design and top-notch ergonomics
- An efficient and feature-rich shaver at a decent price
- Lightweight and balanced
- Five shaving elements provide a close shave
- 45 minutes of runtime, good for five to six shaves
- Wet and dry ability
- Does not come with an auto cleaning and charging station
- Too aggressive for sensitive skin
2. Panasonic ARC 5 ES-LV97-K – Premium Looks with Premium Performance
ES-LV97-K is also part of Arc 5’s second generation which was released in 2019. It has a beautiful black matte finish with a blue tint. On the head of the shaver, there is a golden Lamdash logo which also stands out with its black background. It has a good-quality plastic body and a metallic head and overall has a premium feel to it.
In terms of ergonomics, it has rubber inserts with a grooved surface and this makes it non-slippery. So, even if you have wet and sweaty palms, you won’t have to worry about dropping this shaver. It is also lightweight at under 200 grams and on the front, we also see a huge thumb rest. So, in short, this Panasonic shaver has top-notch ergonomics.
There is an LED display that shows different levels of battery and shows a lock icon when the travel lock is on. The power button is easily pressable and can be accidentally turned off when shaving. However, because of the travel lock, this isn’t a concern during traveling.
In terms of shaving performance, it is pretty similar to ES-LV65-S. It has five cutting blades which provide a close and fast shave. This is helped by this shaver’s powerful motor delivering 14000 CPM and a tilted head design which improves skin contact and closeness of shave.
You might see in this list that we say these Panasonic shavers don’t give the most comfortable shave, but this statement is relative to Braun shavers which provide probably the most comfortable shave. Other than that, Panasonic shavers provide a shave that is comfortable for most people, and unless you have susceptible skin, you are not going to endure any irritation or burns.
In other features, we see that this shaver has the wet and dry ability, has a headlock that locks the head in a fixed position, and there is a pop-up trimmer for touch-ups. It runs for 45 minutes with a single charge and there is a quick charge feature that can give you enough battery power for one shave after just five minutes of charging.
The good part is that ES-LV97-K does come with an automatic charging and cleaning station. For charging, you simply need to place the shaver in the dock and the station will do the charging.
For cleaning, this station has a concentrated detergent that needs to be diluted with water. This station not only cleans the shavers but also dries them which is a function we are no longer seeing in newer Braun models.
The good news is that the automatic charging and cleaning station is efficient and fast, but the bad news is that it makes the shaver a lot more expensive. However, you can still have a similar shaver in ES-LV67-K at a more than decent price, but it comes without the station.
So, overall, in ES-LV97-K, we have a shaver that will make you love shaving once again. It is efficient and performs extremely close shaves and has got the looks to admire.
There are other high-end features such as beard sensor technology, new cleaning and charging station, and wet and dry ability which make the overall convenience of this shaver great. The price is high compared to some of the other Arc 5 models, but if you have an eye for beauty you will love what Panasonic has done with this shaver.
- Trendier design
- Provides close shave with its five shaving elements
- Ergonomic
- Convenience in the form of wet and dry ability, travel lock, and quick charge ability
- Automatic cleaning and charging station
- Price is on the higher side
- The power button can be turned off accidentally when in use
3. Panasonic Arc 4 ES8243AA – Best Panasonic Shaver for Beginners
Before Arc 5, there was Arc 4, launched in 2008 and it also had some of the best shavers the market had seen till then. However, they are still relevant and to be honest provide great value for money. The shaver we have included for this list, ES8243AA, is probably the cheapest Arc 4 model you can find in today’s market.
You may also find ES8243A which is a variant of ES8243AA. They are similar in almost all aspects except that ES8243AA has a blue LCD backlight as opposed to orange for the ES8243A.
This shaver is made up of plastic, but the construction is solid and can take some beating. Although this shaver does not have the looks of our earlier entries, it is lightweight and has high-quality ergonomics with a curved shaft providing a nice grip.
All the Arc 4 models have four shaving elements. This number is one less than the flagship Arc 5 models which have five blades, but four is still a number you can trust to perform. The performance of the shaver is enhanced by its arched head which ensures optimal skin contact. This is combined with a powerful motor that gives you the closest shave you can have at this price point.
One feature which makes this shaver stand out is its slimmer head which makes it easier to use and makes it probably the best Panasonic shaver for beginners. This also makes it useful for hard-to-reach places such as under the nose.
Talking about the shaving head, we see that this shaving head is flexible and pivoting where it can move side to side and up and down. This ability enables it to adapt to the contours of the face and provide a better shave.
I said it was the cheapest of all the Arc 4 models and that is because it has a slightly less powerful motor performing 13000 CPM versus 14000 for other Arc 4 models. Besides, it lacks the travel lock we see in the other Arc 4 models.
Among other features, we see that this shaver has the wet and dry ability which enables you to use it in the shower and with shaving foam. Furthermore, it has a pop-up trimmer that can be used to line up and for touch-ups. It also has a 10-level battery display. By the way, the shaver has a runtime of 45 minutes with one single charge.
In summary, in ES8243AA, we have a cost-effective shaver that can match some high-end shavers in its performance. The build quality is good and ergonomics are top-notch with its lightweight design and curved shaft.
With its four stainless blades, this shaver can provide a close shave. Plus, it has the convenience of wet and dry shaving, a pop-up trimmer, and efficient battery timing to go with it. It has some minor shortcomings like lacking a travel lock or having a slightly underpowered motor, it still is good enough to be your next shaver, and that too at a mouth-watering price for the quality.
- A budget option in Panasonic Arc 4
- Four cutting elements provide a close shave
- The slimmer head makes it easy to use
- Good for hard-to-reach areas like under the nose
- Wet and dry ability
- Pop-up trimmer for touch-ups
- A slightly underpowered motor at 13000 CPM compared to 14000 for other Arc 4 models
- Lacks travel lock
4. Panasonic Arc 3 ES8103S – An Underrated Top Performer
Next up, we have an entry-level shaver from Arc 3 series from Panasonic. ES8103S is the best-selling model from Arc 3 and for all the right reasons. From build quality to shaving performance, it has a lot to boast about, and that too at a great price.
At around 400 grams, it is a bit on the heavy side compared to some of the newer models in Arc 4 and 5, but still not too heavy to be an inconvenience.
Moreover, it provides an excellent grip with a rubber sleeve on the side and back of the shaver. The shaver is slim and because of its curved shaft fits nicely into your palm. Besides, because of its slim body, it is also easier to maneuver.
As you may have guessed by now, the number in the Arc series denotes the number of shaving elements shavers of that series have. So, in Arc 3, we see three shaving elements. Out of these, there is a slit trimmer in the middle which is sandwiched by two outer foils. Slit trimmer cuts longer hair to a size where foil elements can cut them at the skin level.
ES8103S also has Panasonic’s trademark 30-degree angled nano-blades. These blades have a sharp bevel and provide a clean and efficient cut without any yanking. This shaving system is backed by an efficient 13000-CPM linear motor.
Panasonic shavers are known for providing close shaves and this shaver probably provides the closest shave of all the entry-level shavers out there. Even if you have a coarse beard, you can trust it with a close and reasonably comfortable shave.
However, the foils do get warm with use and if you have ultra-sensitive skin, it can cause irritation and burn. Other than that, this shaver is good enough on all grounds for a good shave for most people.
ES8103S has a pivoting head that moves vertically and sideways which provides flexing when you are shaving. However, if you don’t like the pivoting head, you can use the headlock and lock the head into a place and this can provide you more precision.
When running, ES8103S has a high-pitched hum which may be on the loud side for some people. Moreover, it lacks Panasonic’s most advanced technology, the beard sensor technology.
Speaking of cleaning, this shaver does not come with an automatic cleaning station but cleaning it is easy. You can activate the Sonic Cleaning Mode by pressing and holding the power button, and it will increase the motor speed to 17000 CPM and dislodge any debris with its vibration, and you can rinse it under tap water.
- Capable entry-level shaver
- A three-blade cutting system powered by a fast motor provides a close shave
- Good ergonomics and build quality
- Easy to use
- Wet/dry capability
- Produces somewhat loud humming sound
- Lacks travel lock
- Not good for ultra-sensitive skin
5. Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV9Q – Innovation and Convenience Personified
If you are truly looking for a shaver that can deliver the best there is to shavers, look no further than third-generation shavers of Panasonic Arc 5.
We are into C/D revision of the third generation and we have picked one for this list too, ES-LV9Q. The price is on the higher side for this shaver, but the overall features and quality on offer are unmatched.
The biggest difference between this generation of Arc 5 shavers and the previous ones is the metallic body present in some of the shavers in this generation and ES-LV9Q is one of them. So, you are looking at a build quality that is unheard of and can certainly carry the promise that it will last you for some years.
The good thing is that even with a metallic body, this shaver is reasonably lightweight at just 7.5 ounces. The design and color scheme of this shaver have had mixed reviews. But, personally, I feel the silver and black color scheme goes well with its metallic body.
In terms of ergonomics, it has a tapered body that fits well in hand and it has a bulky head but overall is nicely balanced. Its ergonomics are also helped by its lightweight.
When it comes to shaving performance, it is mostly similar to what we are used to seeing in Arc 5 models. It has the same number of shaving elements, has a similarly powered motor working at 14000 CPM, and has a flexible head.
And it has Panasonic’s trademark nano-blades angled at 30 degrees that provide optimal skin contact and provide that the closeness of shave we know Panasonic shavers for. This shaver also has beard sensor technology.
However, there are some changes to these new models including ES-LV9Q that enhance the overall shaving experience of the user. In these, we see what Panasonic calls the multi-flex 5-D flexing of the shaving head which enables the head to twist and slide back and forward.
These flexing positions are in addition to the earlier models’ ability to move in three planes, which were up and down, left to right, and back and forth. In short, earlier models had 3D flexing and these newer models have 5D flexing. This results in better contact with the skin and this is especially helpful when shaving under the neck and chin areas.
Among other improvements, we see two gold-colored smooth sliders that are there to reduce skin drag and as a result, you have less pressure on the skin. Panasonic also indicates the inclusion of newer Power Quick Lift trimmer as opposed to Quick Lift Foil in earlier models. This supposedly better captures long hair than earlier models, but honestly, in real life, it hardly translates into any change.
It does come with an automatic cleaning and charging station and you get a soft carrying case. The shaver also has a multifunction LCD which also shows battery level in 10% increments.
- High-quality Arc 5 model with improved features
- A metallic body makes it strong and durable
- Powerful and good at providing a close shave
- 5-D multiflex head and smooth sliders enhance your shaving experience
- 100% waterproof and wet and dry use
- Price is on the higher side
6. Panasonic Arc4 ES-LA63-S – Silver In Color Gold In Performance
If you are looking for something to gift someone in the upcoming holiday season or just for any occasion ranging from birthdays to father’s day, we have one great option for you. The next entry on our list has not only got looks and performs exceptionally well but also comes at a decent price point.
ES-LA63-S belongs to Arc 4 and was released in 2011 but is still going strong and for good reasons. Panasonic shavers, in general, have an excellent build quality and this shaver is no different.
Although it is an old model, it can still beat some of the newer models in its price range when it comes to building quality and construction. It has a glossy silver shine to it and that gives it that high-quality feel which it deserves.
It is lightweight at 7 ounces and despite its bulky head is not top-heavy and is well-balanced overall. It fits nicely into the hand and has a grippy material on the backside which makes it non-slippery.
In terms of shaving performance, being part of the Arc 4 series, it has a four-blade cutting system. Moreover, it has some of the trademark features of the series and also of Panasonic shavers in general. These include a powerful motor working at 14000 CPM, an arched profile of the shaving elements, and a pivoting head which moves in two planes in Arc 4.
However, this shaver also has a second vibrating motor which is placed in the head. This motor vibrates when the shaver is working and catches more hair.
Because of the second motor, ES-LA63-S has a rather bulky head which makes it hard to operate first up and takes some getting used to.
Among other features, this shaver has the wet and dry shaving ability, has a pop-up trimmer, and gives a runtime of 45 minutes with a single charge. These features are pretty much standard these days, but still convenient to have.
Moreover, there is a headlock that prevents the head from flexing, and a travel lock that prevents the shaver from accidentally turning on when not in use and travel.
- Good-looking and well-priced Arc 4 shaver
- Lightweight with good ergonomics
- Powerful and captures more hair in each stroke with its vibrating motor
- Travel lock and headlock
- More apt at capturing long hair than some other Panasonic shavers
- Has a bulky head and is difficult to operate first up
7. Panasonic ES-RS10-S – A Compact Shaver For Travel
Sometimes, it is good to have options and if you are a busy man you may sometimes have to resort to shaving on the go.
For such purposes, having an expensive and full-fledged modern electric shaver isn’t a wise option. But, don’t worry, we have got you covered. Next up, we have a shaver which is not only compact but is also efficient and effective.
This travel shaver from Panasonic comes in three colors, silver, red, and blue. For this piece, we will be talking about the silver one and color is actually the only difference these shavers have from each other.
As said, this shaver is compact and is around the size of a normal cigarette packet. It is made up of plastic, but is quite sturdy and has a smooth finish to it.
On the front side, there is an old-style On/Off switch and that also has an integrated travel lock. If you will depress a small tab in it, it will activate the lock and the on/off switch won’t work. This is definitely a handy feature for a travel shaver to have.
ES-RS10-S has a single cutting element that has an inner blade and an outer foil. However, unlike our earlier entries, this cutting element is not beveled. This shaving foil can be depressed and this reduces the pressure when in contact with the skin. You can also release the foil frame by pressing a small rectangular button located below the shaving head on the right side.
As this is a backup or travel shaver, so expecting a similar performance to that of your high-end contemporary electric shavers isn’t justified. Nonetheless, it provides a decent enough shave unless you have very coarse hair. It is definitely a good option if you have light to medium hair and it can deal with them efficiently.
Moreover, you will like that the foil in this shaver doesn’t get hot when in use and there is no yanking and it surprisingly provides a rather comfortable shave without causing any irritation.
ES-RS10-S works on two AA batteries which are not included in the package. Depending on the quality of the batteries, you can get some decent time from one set of batteries. If reviews are anything to go by, you can get as many as 90 minutes of runtime from a single set of batteries, which is definitely impressive.
- Compact and travel friendly
- Good build quality
- Good for light and medium textured hair
- Gives good runtime
- Travel lock
- Not very powerful
- Dry use only
- Batteries not included
Panasonic Arc 3 vs Arc 4 vs Arc 5 – A Comparison
If you are looking for a contemporary Panasonic shaver, you are probably going to run into shavers from its three series, Arc 3, Arc 4, and the latest Arc 5. In this section, we will go over briefly all there is to these series and all the differences you need to know between these series.
An Overview
Build Quality And Ergonomics
Build quality is a strong suit for Panasonic shavers and in the newer updates in Arc 3 and Arc 5, they have even moved on to a metal body. This will further solidify their reputation as durable shavers and ones which can serve you for many years.
Some of the old models in Arc 3 and Arc 4 may look outdated but we don’t find any compromise on build quality even in those models. The newer models in Arc 5, especially the second and third generations, have trendier designs and eye-catching color schemes and do carry a premium feel.
Shaving Performance
All shavers in the Arc series are the ones to beat when it comes to the closeness of shave in their relevant price categories. For example, Arc 3 models with their 13000-RPM motor beat their competition including Braun’s entry-level Series 3 by a distance.
This is made possible by several factors including their nano-blades with a 30-degree angle, high-quality sharp stainless steel blades, and arched foils which ensure optimal skin contact.
When we talk about Arc 4 and Arc 5, they are even better with their additional cutting elements. They are especially good for coarse beards. They have the finishing foil in their arsenal, which cuts the hair pretty close to the skin. Because Arc 4 and Arc 5 are fitted with better motors and have large shaving heads, you have a faster shave than Arc 3. But, when we talk about the closeness of shave itself, there is not much difference.
When it comes to providing a comfortable shave, Panasonic shavers are good enough for most people. However, because they are aggressive shavers that specialize in providing close shaves, they can cause irritation and burns for ultra-sensitive skins.
However, you can work around this by using shaving cream and these shavers do have dry/wet useability, so they have got you covered in that respect.
Miscellaneous Features
One of the differentiating features in Panasonic shavers is the presence or absence of automatic cleaning and charging station. This station has undergone up-gradation and the newer models of Arc 3 like the LT series and those from the second and third generation of Arc 5 come with the newer station.
What you need to know about this automatic cleaning and charging station is that it is efficient and has cost-effective working compared to Braun’s stations. However, if you do decide to go ahead with a shaver that has this station, there is a cost to it and it is up to you to decide whether you want to go ahead with one or not.
In other features, we have a pretty standard pop-up trimmer which is present in all the shavers and is located behind the shaving head. This pop-up trimmer is used for touch-ups and lining up.
Conclusion
Being the world-class brand we know Panasonic for being, they cover the electric shaver niche comprehensively. Ranging from their entry-level shavers which come at a price that anybody can afford to more high-end shavers who are in a class of their own when it comes to performance, innovation, and convenience.
In this piece, we tried to cover the whole range of Panasonic shavers and endeavored to provide options for anybody. For example, whether you are somebody who shaves every day and is looking for an efficient and cost-effective option, you can go with an Arc 3 shaver, as we have ES8103S on our list.
If you have long hair, normal skin, and shave less frequently, go with an Arc 4 shaver, such as ES8243A. Or, you can go ahead with more advanced Arc 5 shavers which not only provide close and fast shave but are also good at providing a comfortable shave if you happen to have sensitive skin. We have included ES-LV65-S from the second generation and more advanced ES-LV9Q from the third generation.
We have also included ES-RS10-S as a travel shaver and tried to make this list short and as comprehensive as possible. Because, frankly, we can go on and on with Panasonic shavers and won’t find a single bad shaver in all of their line-ups.
That’s all we have on the best Panasonic shavers. We hope this article provided value and helped you pick one for your needs. Keep coming back for more value-added content in male grooming and honest and in-depth product reviews.
