Philips Norelco Shaver 9500, S9985/84

I've been using a Norelco OneBlade forever, but decided to get a "real" shaver in the hopes that I would finally start a regular shaving routine. Since I've started shaving more than 30 years ago, I've never liked doing it, and never have done so regularly. As I'm getting older, I've realized that half crazed lumberjack is not a good look, and decided that I should try to find a shaver that I'd be OK using every other day or so. I've been impressed with this shaver. My facial hair is a like a cowlick -- it seems that the hair grows in every direction. That's why I chose this kind of shaver instead of a foil shaver. Does it shave as good as a straight razor? No. I don't think any electric shaver does. This shaver does as good as any, though, and importantly to me it's easy to use and doesn't require a lot of time. The little "flip out" trimmer on the side is a bit weak, though, and somewhat of an afterthought. Pro tip for the charging ... if you search on Amazon, you can find some adapters and cables that permit you to use a regular USB-C charger (20watts or more I believe), which is super nice for traveling instead of having to take along yet another charger. Daily cleaning is easy. I run the shaver under the faucet for 5-10 seconds. Then I turn off the shaver, pop open the top, and run that under the faucet. It comes with a cleaning pod that is dead simple to use. I used it for the first time today. You insert the shaver head first into the cleaning pod, turn on the shaver, and it does its magic for 60 seconds. I'm going to try using the pod once a month or so, which means (I think) I'll need to get a new pod every 6 months or something. They're pretty cheap, too. It does come with a travel case, which is good. They suggest replacing the blades every year. I'll try to assess how I feel the shaving quality is at 6 months, and decide whether to replace them sooner. They're a little on the pricey side, but that's expected. There is a lot of technology that is built in that thankfully you don't have to use. It can connect to an app on your phone via Bluetooth. I don't need yet another thing connected to my phone, thank you very much. That is, I don't need yet another inanimate object passing judgment on me. My watch already can tell me I'm not washing my hands well enough. I don't need my shave passing judgment, either. However, there is one tech feature that I thought would be gimmicky but that is wonderful. There is a light ring around the head of the unit that senses pressure. If you press the shaver too lightly or gently against your face, it stays blue. When you hit the "zone" where it's the right pressure for optimal shaving, it turns green. And if you press too hard, it turns yellow. Who knew that after all these years I wasn't pressing my shavers with enough force against my face?!? And guess what -- it works better when I stay in the zone. This is the type of technology I like. One last comment. I liked it enough that my wife got one for herself, even though the shaver doesn't seem to be marketed to women. She says it's the best shaver she's used as well.

01/21/26 Update - Warranty was directly through Philips. Registration was easy and the return was easy - complete process took approximately 30 days due to holidays and ground delivery (lithium battery). They provided prepaid label to send in the unit, 1 day after receiving the unit, they assessed and replaced it with a brand new unit - thank you Philips! Very nicely designed, cuts very close and smooth, noise is nominal (expected) and the head adjusts as advertised. Cleaning system is well designed and works very well. Initial unit durability not good = owned Aug 24 thru Dec 25; at 16 months into owning and the battery is bad (full charge @ 100%, then 2 minutes use and it is at 8%). Will be contacting the manufacturer as the Warranty is 2 years (extended to 5 when you register promptly, which I did not, my error - but they stand behind their product and 5 years is amazing). I will provide an update as I experience the warranty process. (see above Update)

So far, I am very happy with the shaver. First time I upgraded from the simple low cost shavers to this higher end one, and the difference is very noticeable. Very smooth shave, no skin irritation. I like the cleaning station. The app is a bit of a gimmick. The only thing I would have added is a charging cradle.

I got this to try, being a user of the Braun 9 series for years I had high hopes, I will say it does shave but nowhere near as complete removal per pass as my 2 previous Braun 9 series razers, the cleaning system is pretty simple and looks like the razer pulls the cleaning fluid and not the cleaning base like in the case of the Braun, ease of cleaning is great, open it up, give a tap or two, then brush it out, put it on the cleaning base 1 minute and put on stand to dry. Noise is lower than the Braun as the motor does not seem to cycle anywhere near as fast. Have not experienced razer burn, but it did cut my skin at the edge of my mouth the first time I used it, first time an electric razer has cut me. Battery life seems to be pretty good, only ran it down to about 94% on a extended shave so you should easily be able to get a full week on a charge, but with the USB plug in charger base stand which easily accepts the razer, no real reason not to keep this thing topped off unless you're on the road. Speed is really slow compared to other electric shavers I've owned... You'll spend more time shaving with this and not get as complete coverage while shaving, it will be ok for quick touchups. The display is nice, turned the LED color cycling lightshow immediately, IMO a waste of LED's and a useless feature, no need for a pride parade during my morning shave. If I had to buy again I'd go with another Braun 9 series.

If you have sensitive skin, omg buy this thing! I cannot believe it took me 10 years of shaving with manual razors and constantly fighting razor bumps and redness to finally try this obviously better solution. I’m legitimately excited to shave and my face looks so clear now! Philips knows how to make a slick product- it feels like an Apple product in the hand very solid hardware and just feels expensive and well made. Even the app is actually useful, which I never thought I’d say about a shaving app. Since they are EU regulated I appreciate how concerned and upfront they are about asking you if you don’t want them to store or track any of your data on the app. Declining was really easy and app still works perfectly.

It is easy to use very comfortable shave ,I have a5000 series unit and I never got a smooth shave but this one is great ,

Best product and value off money and quality 👌

Pues ninguna queja. Ya más de dos años con ella y funciona bien.

Great

Mi percepción de los materiales es que son de alta calidad; es ligera. Rasuro mi cabeza y barba sin irritación en piel. La limpieza de la máquina es muy rápida y sencilla. Su carga dura para ocho usos de cabeza y barba. La recomiendo.