| Our Verdict – Braun Series 9 Pro+ (96xx)
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ remains the best all-round foil electric shaver in 2026. The 96xx generation adds the new 96M cassette with Ultra Thin Precision Blades, a real, measurable closeness improvement over the 94M and 95M that justifies the upgrade for existing Series 9 owners. For new buyers: it delivers unmatched comfort alongside top-tier closeness. For coarse beards on a budget: the Panasonic Arc5 or Arc6 edges it on raw cutting power but not comfort. Rating: 9.2/10. |
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ has been at or near the top of independent electric shaver rankings since the Series 9 Pro+ launched in 2023. The 96xx generation, released in Europe in 2024 and now available in the USA in 2026, adds one meaningful improvement: the 96M cassette with redesigned Ultra Thin Precision Blades that cut measurably closer than the 94M and 95M heads.
This review covers everything you need to know: what’s actually new in the 96xx generation, how the 96M cassette compares in practice, the model number differences decoded (9660cc vs 9697cc vs 9677cc), who this shaver is genuinely right for, and where the Panasonic Arc6 and Arc5 outperform it. We’ve tested the Series 9 Pro+ across multiple generations, including long-term daily use on light-to-medium beards and occasional 3-day growth tests.
What’s new in the 96xx generation – The 96M cassette explained
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ 96xx generation is not a redesigned shaver. The body, motor, SyncroSonic technology, SkinGuard element, and SmartCare Station are all identical to the 95xx generation. The one meaningful change is the 96M cassette.
The 96M cassette – What Braun actually changed
Braun describes the 96M as featuring ‘Enhanced Ultra Thin Precision Blades’, specifically, thinner blades inside the two outermost foil elements. ShaverCheck’s Ovidiu Nicolae, who has tested the 96M against previous generations: ‘According to Braun, the new 96M cassette features two new blades inside the outermost foil elements and are thinner and able to cut the hair closer to the skin.’
The practical result: the 96M shaves measurably closer than the 94M. ShaverCheck’s assessment is direct, the 96M can actually cut the hair a bit closer to the skin, so it will be a noticeable upgrade. This is not a marketing claim; it reflects the physical reality of thinner blades sitting fractionally closer to the skin surface per foil slot.
The most important note for existing Series 9 owners: the 96M cassette is fully backward compatible with all previous Series 9 bodies, 93xx, 94xx, 95xx. This means any Series 9 owner can purchase the 96M cassette separately and upgrade their current shaver without buying a new unit. ShaverCheck explicitly recommends this: ‘It shaves a bit closer than the 92M and 94M, so that’s a quick and easy way to upgrade a non-PRO Series 9.’
| The upgrade path for existing Series 9 owners
If you own any Series 9 model (93xx, 94xx, 95xx PRO or PRO+), you can buy the 96M cassette separately and get essentially the same shaving performance as the new 96xx PRO+, without buying a new shaver. The 96M cassette costs approximately $50–60 and is available on Amazon UK now; US availability from March 2026 per Braun. |
What did NOT change in the 96xx
- Motor and body: identical to 95xx
- SyncroSonic density-sensing technology: same sensor (minor sensor revision per Braun, but ShaverCheck: ‘I honestly can’t say that it makes a difference in practice’)
- SkinGuard element: unchanged
- 4+1 active cutting system: same ProLift, Direct & Cut, two OptiShavers
- Battery: 60-min runtime, 5-min quick charge
- SmartCare Station: identical 6-in-1 system
- Charging: proprietary cable (not USB-C)
96xx model numbers decoded – Which one should you buy?
Braun’s model numbering is confusing. The 9660cc, 9697cc, 9677cc, 9667cc, and 9660ccPS all have identical shaving performance, the differences are accessories and packaging only. Here is what you actually get with each:
| Model | Cassette | Station | Price (USD) | Key difference |
| 9660cc | 96M cassette | SmartCare station | ~$280-350 | Standard box; most widely available |
| 9660ccPS | 96M cassette | SmartCare station | ~$300-370 | Includes extra 96M cassette head |
| 9697cc | 96M cassette | SmartCare station | ~$320-380 | Includes massage head attachment |
| 9677cc | 96M cassette | SmartCare station | ~$310-370 | Includes PowerCase instead of travel case |
| 9667cc | 96M cassette | SmartCare station | ~$290-360 | Color/packaging variant |
| Recommendation
For most buyers: the 9660cc is the standard pick, SmartCare station, 96M cassette, and the core Series 9 Pro+ experience. The 9660ccPS (extra cassette included) is worth it if the cassette price gap vs buying separately is small. The 9697cc massage head is a genuine but optional luxury. The 9677cc PowerCase is bulky enough that ShaverCheck notes it’s ‘not exactly travel-friendly.’ |
The 5+1 cutting system – What each element actually does
The Series 9 Pro+’s cassette has five foil elements plus one integrated ProTrimmer. Understanding what each element does helps explain why the Series 9 consistently outperforms simpler 2-3 element shavers on varied beard types and multi-day growth.
- ProLift Trimmer: A raised cutter that physically lifts hairs growing at non-perpendicular angles before the finishing foils cut them. This is the single most important element for men whose beard grows flat against the skin, particularly on the neck and lower jaw. It’s why the Series 9 leaves fewer missed patches than most foil shavers on 2-3 day growth.
- Direct & Cut Cutter: A densely perforated element designed for concentrated stubble, the type of dense buildup that appears on the chin and upper lip where follicles are most compact. It handles short, stiff, and high-density sections that can slow other shavers mid-stroke.
- OptiShavers (outer foil elements): The two finishing foils that deliver the closest final cut. In the 96M cassette, these contain the new Ultra Thin Precision Blades, thinner than the 94M/95M versions, which allows them to sit fractionally closer to the skin surface per slot, producing the measurably closer result ShaverCheck confirmed.
- SkinGuard: Not a cutting element but a protective element, a thin metal bar between the cutters that physically buffers the blade assembly from direct contact with raised or sensitive skin. This is the feature most responsible for the Series 9 Pro+’s exceptional comfort track record, including on sensitive skin.
Integrated ProTrimmer: A pop-up precision trimmer for sideburns and mustache line maintenance. Functional for basic touchups; not a replacement for a dedicated trimmer for detailed beard work.
Perforance – Closeness, Comfort, and Multi-Day Growth
Closeness
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ 96xx delivers an excellent close shave that satisfies the overwhelming majority of men who switch from manual razors. On 1-day daily growth, ShaverCheck rates it as ‘incredibly close and comfortable’, particularly with a good shaving gel applied. On 3-day growth, the ProLift and Direct & Cut combination completes a clean shave that CNN Underscored measured at approximately 90 seconds on a thick 3-day beard.
The honest comparison with the Panasonic Arc6: the Arc6 at 84,000 CPM edges the Series 9 Pro+ on raw closeness for very coarse or wiry hair types. ShaverCheck: To me, the Panasonic Arc 6 is still the best in the closeness department. But all of them are highly capable, comfortable and versatile electric shavers and these performance differences are rather subtle. For men with normal to medium beard types, this gap is not noticeable in day-to-day use.
The 96M cassette closes the gap with the Arc5: ShaverCheck confirms the 96M shaves ‘a bit closer’ than the previous 94M, which moves the Series 9 Pro+ meaningfully closer to Panasonic’s territory while retaining its comfort advantage.
Comfort
Comfort is where the Braun Series 9 Pro+ separates itself from all competitors, including the Panasonic Arc6 at a higher price point. ShaverCheck: ‘The comfort on the other hand was just superb… There’s a very low risk of getting irritation and razor bumps. I know this because I get them with other shavers, especially on my neck and chin. I didn’t have any such issues while I shaved with the S9 PRO+.’
The SyncroSonic motor reads beard density and adjusts cutting power continuously. On the Series 9 Pro+, this prevents the over-aggressiveness on sparse sections that causes follicular stress and post-shave redness. The SkinGuard element buffers the blade assembly from direct contact with raised or sensitive follicle areas. Together, these two features produce a post-shave skin condition that most men haven’t experienced from an electric shaver before.
ShavingAdvisor’s long-term tester, who uses the Series 9 Pro+ as their daily driver: ‘The four cutters have a lot of give and are very forgiving even if you press too much.’ For men who come from manual razors and habitually press too hard with electric shavers, this forgiveness is practically important, it prevents the accumulated irritation that causes first-time electric shaver users to abandon the switch.
Multi-day growth performance
The Series 9 Pro+ handles up to 4-5 days of growth comfortably, ShaverCheck: ‘it can deal with both short and longer stubble (I’d say up to 4-5 days between shaves).’ This is above average for a foil shaver. The ProLift element is responsible for this extended range: it captures the flat-lying longer hairs that standard foils pass over, reducing the number of passes needed at longer growth lengths.
At 3-day growth with average beard density, the Series 9 Pro+ typically completes a clean shave in 2-3 passes per face section without requiring pre-trimming. At 5-day growth, most men benefit from a pre-trim pass with a clipper to reduce length below 4mm before electric shaving, this is standard advice for any electric shaver at this growth length, not specific to the Series 9.
The syncroSonic motor – How it actually works
The SyncroSonic motor detects beard density 300 times per second and adjusts cutting power accordingly. In practice, this means the motor ramps up when the shaver encounters dense sections (chin, upper lip, concentrated neck growth) and reduces power on sparse sections (cheeks, areas where growth is lighter). The result is consistent blade speed throughout the shave, preventing the motor slow-down that causes dragging on dense sections in fixed-speed shavers.
For men with uneven beard density, very common, particularly across the chin-to-cheek transition, this adaptation makes a meaningful practical difference. The shaver maintains consistent performance across sections without requiring the deliberate pace adjustments that fixed-motor shavers need on dense sections.
The 6-in-1 smartCare station – Is it worth the ongoing cost?
The SmartCare Station is included with all 96xx Pro+ models sold in the USA (all include the ‘cc’ designation indicating Clean & Charge capability). It performs six functions in one cycle: cleans with alcohol-based CCR3 solution, lubricates the blades, dries, charges, and displays hygiene status. One press to remove the shaver from the station, one press to initiate a clean cycle, no other interaction required.
The real cost of station ownership
The Clean & Renew CCR3 cartridge costs approximately $8 and lasts 4-6 weeks of daily use. Annual cartridge cost: approximately $70-100 depending on cleaning frequency and cartridge deals. This is the most common hidden cost that Series 9 Pro+ owners discover after purchase.
Is the station worth this cost? ShaverCheck’s data is clear: station-cleaned blades maintain their cutting geometry more consistently over their lifespan than manually-maintained blades. Regular lubrication after every daily shave (which the station provides automatically) extends cassette sharpness through more shaves before performance degradation. The practical payoff is a cassette that performs closer to new for longer.
For men who maintain manual cleaning diligently: manual cleaning achieves a comparable result without the ongoing cartridge cost. The station’s primary value is automation, it removes the discipline requirement entirely.
| Pro Tip:
Third-party cleaning cartridges compatible with the SmartCare Station are available at significantly lower cost than official Braun CCR3 cartridges. Multiple Amazon sellers offer compatible solutions at 40-60% of the Braun price. ShaverCheck notes: ‘there are quite a few third-party cleaning solutions available that cost a lot less and work really well.’ This reduces the ongoing station cost to approximately $35-50/year. |
Braun Series 9 Pro+ vs Alternatives – The honest comparison
| Feature | Series 9 Pro+ 96xx | Series 9 Pro+ 95xx | Series 9 (Standard) |
| Cassette | 96M (Ultra Thin blades) | 94M cassette | 96M (same as PRO+) |
| Motor | SyncroSonic adaptive | SyncroSonic adaptive | SyncroSonic adaptive |
| Cutting elements | 5+1 (ProLift + Direct&Cut) | 5+1 (same system) | Same as 96xx PRO+ |
| Closeness | Excellent | Very good — 96M closes gap | Very good (94M) → Excellent (96M) |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ – SkinGuard | ★★★★★ – same SkinGuard | ★★★★★ |
| Cleaning station | 6-in-1 SmartCare | 6-in-1 SmartCare | Varies by model |
| Price (USD) | $280-350 | $150-220 | $220-280 |
| Best for | Best overall – most men | Value: 96M upgrade resolves gap | Daily shavers, sensitive skin |
Braun Series 9 Pro+ 96xx vs 95xx – Should you upgrade?
ShaverCheck: ‘As for the latest PRO+ 96XX, the only real upgrades are the new 96M cassette (which you can use on the 95XX) and a new beard density sensor (minor improvement). The price of the 95XX is however lower, making it a better buy.’
The practical conclusion: if you own a 95xx Pro+, buy the 96M cassette separately rather than a new shaver. The cassette upgrade delivers the meaningful improvement (closer shave) without replacing a functional shaver body. If you’re buying new and the price difference between 95xx and 96xx is significant, buying a 95xx and upgrading to 96M cassette is rational.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ vs Panasonic Arc6
The Arc6 at 84,000 CPM edges the Series 9 Pro+ on closeness for very coarse, wiry, thick beards, ShaverCheck confirms this. The difference is most noticeable on dense chin and neck sections where coarse hair resists the foil. For these users, the Arc6 is the better tool.
The Series 9 Pro+ is better for: sensitive skin (SkinGuard has no Arc6 equivalent), men who occasionally skip days (ProLift handles multi-day growth more gracefully than Arc6 on flat-lying hairs), and men who want station auto-cleaning. The Arc6’s cleaning station uses cheaper water-based packs vs Braun’s alcohol cartridges.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ vs Series 9 (Standard)
ShaverCheck: ‘I think for many users the Series 8 will be good enough and only in a few particular cases the Series 9 will be noticeably better (for example, having long, wiry, facial hair).’ This applies equally to the Series 9 standard vs Pro+. The standard Series 9 with a 96M cassette upgrade shaves almost identically to the Pro+ 96xx. The Pro+ body adds the SyncroSonic motor upgrade and the PowerCase option, meaningful for heavy users, marginal for daily light-growth shavers.
Who should buy the Braun Series 9 Pro+ in 2026
Buy the Braun Series 9 Pro+ 96xx if:
- You want the best all-round foil shaver, consistent comfort, excellent closeness, and a maintenance system that handles itself
- You have sensitive skin that shows irritation from other electric shavers, SkinGuard + SyncroSonic is the most skin-protective combination available
- You shave daily to every 4-5 days, the ProLift handles the full range without pre-trim requirements at lower end
- You value the auto-cleaning station and are willing to pay for cartridge convenience
- Your beard is light to medium coarse, the Series 9 Pro+ handles this range superbly. For very wiry/thick beards, Arc6 edges it on raw cutting
- You’re upgrading from a manual razor and want the gentlest possible electric shaver transition
Consider an alternative if:
- Your beard is very coarse/wiry and raw closeness is the priority, Panasonic Arc6 ($250-320) outperforms on this specific dimension
- Budget is the primary constraint, the Panasonic Arc5 ($130-170) delivers excellent closeness at significantly lower cost, and the Braun Series 7 ($100-140) is a capable mid-range option
- You own a Series 9 (any generation) and want closer shaving, buy the 96M cassette for $50–60, not a new shaver
- You want USB-C charging for travel, the Arc5 Palm and Panasonic ES-CM3A offer this; the Series 9 Pro+ does not
- You won’t use the cleaning station, the station cost and maintenance overhead adds ~$70-100/year. If you’ll clean manually, the Arc5 avoids this
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
| ✓ Best comfort of any foil shaver, SkinGuard + SyncroSonic | ✗ Most expensive foil shaver on the market at full retail |
| ✓ New 96M cassette cuts measurably closer than 94M/95M | ✗ SmartCare cartridges add ~$70-100/year (third-party reduces this) |
| ✓ ProLift handles flat-lying hairs, fewer missed patches on multi-day growth | ✗ Not USB-C, proprietary charging port |
| ✓ Handles up to 4-5 days of growth comfortably | ✗ Arc6 edges it on closeness for very coarse/wiry beards |
| ✓ 6-in-1 SmartCare Station, set-and-forget maintenance | ✗ Pop-up trimmer adequate but not impressive for detail work |
| ✓ 5-min quick charge, forgotten overnight charge never derails morning | ✗ Charging port is proprietary, pack the cable for travel |
| ✓ Made in Germany, exceptional build quality | ✗ Loud compared to quieter Panasonic models |
| ✓ 96M cassette backward compatible, upgrade old bodies without buying new | ✗ |
| ✓ Up to 5-year warranty with registration | ✗ |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Braun Series 9 Pro+ worth buying in 2026?
Yes, for most men, it remains the best all-round foil shaver available. The 96xx generation’s 96M cassette provides a measurable closeness improvement over previous generations. At $280-350, it’s expensive, but it delivers the best comfort-to-closeness ratio of any electric shaver tested. The main alternative to consider: Panasonic Arc5 at $130-170 (excellent closeness at lower cost) or Arc6 at $250-320 (for very coarse beards).
What is the difference between Braun Series 9 and Series 9 Pro+?
The Series 9 Pro+ has a more capable SyncroSonic motor than the standard Series 9. In practice, the most meaningful performance difference is the cassette: the Pro+ (95xx/96xx) supports the 94M and 96M cassettes which are slightly more aggressive and closer-shaving than the cassettes in older standard Series 9 models. However, the 96M cassette is backward compatible with all Series 9 bodies, so a standard Series 9 upgraded with a 96M cassette shaves almost identically to the current Pro+.
What is the 96M cassette and is it worth buying?
The 96M is the newest Braun Series 9 cassette, introduced with the 96xx generation. It features Ultra Thin Precision Blades, thinner than the 94M and 95M, that cut measurably closer to the skin. ShaverCheck confirms the improvement is ‘noticeable.’ It’s backward compatible with all Series 9 bodies. Existing Series 9 owners can buy the 96M cassette as an upgrade rather than purchasing a new shaver. US availability from March 2026.
How does the Braun Series 9 Pro+ compare to the Panasonic Arc6?
The Panasonic Arc6 at 84,000 CPM edges the Series 9 Pro+ on closeness for very coarse, wiry, or thick beards, ShaverCheck confirms the Arc6 is ‘still the best in the closeness department.’ For normal to medium beard types, the difference is subtle. The Series 9 Pro+ wins on comfort (SkinGuard, SyncroSonic gentle adaptation), multi-day growth handling (ProLift), and the comprehensive SmartCare station. The Arc6 wins on raw closeness for demanding beard types.
How often should I replace the Braun Series 9 Pro+ cassette?
Braun recommends every 18 months. In practice, ShaverCheck notes this depends on shaving frequency and beard coarseness, daily coarse-beard shavers may need replacement at 12 months. The head replacement indicator on the shaver’s display appears after every shave when replacement is suggested; this is based on time/charge cycles, not actual blade condition. The practical guidance: replace when shave quality (closeness, comfort, and speed of coverage) noticeably declines, regardless of what the indicator shows. Station-cleaned blades typically last longer than manually-maintained equivalents.
Is the Braun Series 9 Pro+ good for sensitive skin?
Yes, it is the best electric shaver for sensitive skin in its class. The SkinGuard element physically prevents blade contact with raised or reactive skin sections. The SyncroSonic motor prevents over-cutting on sparse sections. ShaverCheck’s reviewer specifically notes no irritation or razor bumps in long-term sensitive-skin testing. For very reactive skin, wet shaving with thin clear gel in addition to these features further reduces post-shave irritation.
Can I use the Series 9 Pro+ without the cleaning station?
Yes, IPX7 waterproofing allows full manual cleaning under running water. Manual cleaning is effective and some users prefer it (see /how-to-clean-electric-shaver-without-cleaning-station/ for the complete guide). The station’s primary value is automation and blade lubrication after every daily shave, which does extend cassette lifespan. If you are willing to manually oil the blades weekly and rinse thoroughly after each shave, the station is not required.
Which 96xx model should I buy – 9660cc vs 9697cc vs 9677cc?
All 96xx models shave identically. Choose based on included accessories: 9660cc is the standard pick. 9660ccPS includes an extra 96M cassette, worth it if the cassette price gap is small. 9697cc adds a massage head, genuine luxury but optional. 9677cc includes the PowerCase (travel power bank), ShaverCheck notes it’s ‘quite bulky and heavy, so not exactly travel-friendly.’ Most buyers should choose 9660cc or 9660ccPS.
Final verdict – Should you buy the Braun Series 9 Pro+ in 2026?
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ 96xx is still the best all-round foil shaver in 2026. The 96M cassette delivers a genuine, measurable closeness improvement over the 94M and 95M, not a marketing revision but a confirmed performance upgrade that ShaverCheck validated in hands-on testing. The core Series 9 Pro+ system, SyncroSonic adaptive motor, SkinGuard skin buffer, ProLift flat-hair element, and 6-in-1 SmartCare Station, remains unmatched for the combination of closeness, comfort, and low-maintenance daily use.
At $280-350, it is an investment. The Arc5 at $130-170 and even the Series 7 at $100-140 deliver excellent shaves at lower cost. The Series 9 Pro+’s premium is justified for men who want the best comfort (particularly sensitive skin), the best multi-day growth handling, and the convenience of station maintenance. For men who primarily want raw closeness on a coarse beard, the Panasonic Arc6 is the alternative to consider.
For existing Series 9 owners: don’t buy a new shaver, buy the 96M cassette and get essentially the same result.
| Overall rating | 9.2 / 10 |
| Closeness | 9.0 / 10 – excellent; Arc6 slightly ahead on coarse hair only |
| Comfort | 9.8 / 10 – best of any foil shaver tested |
| Multi-day growth | 9.0 / 10 – handles up to 4-5 days comfortably |
| Build quality | 9.5 / 10 – German-made, premium construction |
| Value for money | 8.0 / 10 – expensive upfront + station cartridge ongoing cost |
| Travel friendliness | 7.5 / 10 – proprietary charging, no USB-C |
| Best for | Most men wanting premium comfort + closeness; sensitive skin; daily to multi-day shavers |
| Not ideal for | Very coarse/wiry beards (Arc6 better); budget buyers (Arc5 or Series 7); travel USB-C priority |