Difference Between Braun Series 9 Pro vs Pro+ Shaver
The Braun Series 9 has been hailed for years as among the very best electric shavers in the world, a combination of German cleverness, intelligent engineering, and first-class performance. With the Series 9 Pro+, Braun takes it one step further. As good as the Series 9 Pro already was in delivering high-end quality to those who expect the very best, the Pro+ model comes with extra features, user-focused upgrades, and an even more polished experience.
This breakdown will explore the key differences between the Braun Series 9 Pro and Pro+, offering an in-depth look at performance, design, technology, battery life, usability, and long-term value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which model may best suit your grooming needs.
Table of Contents
Design and Aesthetics
Both the Series 9 Pro and the Pro+ inherit Braun’s elegant and minimalist design aesthetic. The Pro+ introduces subtle nuances, though.
- Series 9 Pro: Merges a smooth, shiny chrome or matte finish with a grippy handle for convenience. The shaver head is liquid and flexible with a 10-direction pivot to track facial contours.
- Series 9 Pro+: The same fundamental design, but with a quite more polished appearance and feel. More grip textures, new colors (including deeper matte shades), and an improved feel give the Pro+ a contemporary and sleeker feel.
The styling refresh in the Pro+ is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The overwhelming majority of users will never quite appreciate the difference until they place them side by side, but the Pro+ does feel marginally more refined to hold in the hand, especially when shaving wet.
Shaving Performance and Cutting Technology
This is where the majority of users seek real-world improvements, and Braun delivers.
- Series 9 Pro: Included the ProLift Trimmer, a longer or flat-lying hair lifter and cutter that is more efficient. It also uses five shaving pieces: two OptiFoil cutters, a Direct & Cut trimmer, a SkinGuard, and the above-mentioned ProLift Trimmer. The combination delivers one of the best, closest, and most comfortable shaves around.
- Series 9 Pro Plus: The identical five-element shaving system is continued but enhanced. The ProLift Trimmer has been refined to some extent for better alignment, and the general shaving head is more sensitive and quicker in areas of thicker beard. The Pro+ also has smoother transitions between elements, better glides across the skin, and less tugging, particularly in delicate areas like the jaw or neck.
Used, shoppers will find that the Pro+ provides a slightly closer shave in fewer strokes and is even more comfortable on sensitive skin. Both provide better performance, but the Pro+ continually gets better performance, particularly for shoppers with coarse or finicky hair growth patterns.
Battery Life and Charging
Both shavers use high-performance lithium-ion batteries and have similar runtimes, but there are minor differences in battery efficiency and usage notification.
- Series 9 Pro: Offers 60 minutes of battery power when cordless and fully charged. Emergency one shave is facilitated by a 5-minute quick charge mode.
- Series 9 Pro+: Offers the same with slightly better energy efficiency. The Pro+’s battery indicator has also been enhanced with clearer visual signals and an even more precise percentage meter-based gauge in certain models, making control over batteries even smoother.
Though battery life is not a differentiator, the Pro+ helps with usability through more rational communication and better power delivery, especially in the initial time of usage aiding break-in on the new razor.
SmartCare Center and Cleaning
Braun’s SmartCare cleaning stations are among the top in the industry, and they have automatic cleaning, recharging, and lubrication.
- Series 9 Pro: This is identical to the 5-in-1 SmartCare Center, which cleans automatically, dries, and recharges the shaver. These stands are good and keep the gadget at optimum levels.
- Series 9 Pro+: Offers support to the same but with newer firmware in the dock for cleaning. It’s slightly quieter and faster to use and sometimes has faster drying times and better access to the reservoir.
For the infrequently groomed user, both of these models are acceptable. Convenience is provided with the Pro+ in the area of increased user experience in the cleaning system.
Control and Precision
The precision of the shave and manual control is one area where the Pro+ stands out.
- Series 9 Pro: Features an essential head lock mechanism to shave the mustache or under the nose area.
- Series 9 Pro+: Features the Precision ProLock—a more sensitive and secure head-locking system. This allows the user to lock the shaving head in a tighter grip, which is especially convenient in outlining facial hair or trimming rugged areas.
The ProLock system of the Pro+ allows users finer control and is sensitive to delicate grooming needs, thus being different from the Pro.
Wet & Dry Use
Both wet and dry shave-capable and 100% waterproof.
- Series 9 Pro: Excellent for wet and dry use. Foam, gel, or showering allowed.
- Series 9 Pro+: Also to the Pro standard waterproof but with a more solid grip and glide in wet shaves, especially for gel users.
Both being great, the Pro+ has the ergonomics and wet grip advantage, and so has an advantage overall in-shower use.
Travel and Portability
For travelers, portability and protection are most important.
- Series 9 Pro: Includes a travel case that is rugged but normally doesn’t contain charging.
- Series 9 Pro+: Pro+ models come with some featuring a PowerCase—a high-end travel case with a battery of its own that adds up to 50% more run time. The case has been charged on the move, an enormous advantage for heavy use.
PowerCase accessory is among the unique aspects that go a long way in mobility and convenience, especially for professionals or users who are constantly in transit.
Price and Value
- Series 9 Pro: Commands a top-shelf price, commensurate with its better performance and engineering.
- Series 9 Pro+: Generally more expensive, due to more refinements, new accessories like the PowerCase, and enhanced firmware/software capabilities.
While the Pro+ costs more, added value—specifically to heavy users—can easily be justified. The improvements might individually be incrementally attractive on paper, but combined equate to a smoother, more refined shave.
Who Should Choose What
Select the Series 9 Pro if:
- You want a high-performance shaver with a proven track record and a slightly lower price.
- You don’t need the extra enhancements or PowerCase.
- You currently possess a SmartCare Center and desire to upgrade to the Pro series.
Select the Series 9 Pro+ if:
- You prefer more precision and ergonomics.
- You are an ardent traveler and require minimalist charging facilities.
- You desire the cutting-edge and best shaving experience with future-proofed upgrades.
Final Verdict
The Braun Series 9 Pro and Pro Plus are both superior electric shavers that raise the bar in performance, comfort, and construction. The Pro+ doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it perfects it. For those who want the best, who love the elegance of grooming, and who desire quality-of-life improvements, the Pro+ is the obvious choice. Unfairly, however, the Series 9 Pro is still a great and budget-friendly option that still blows the pants off pretty much every other product in its space.
Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities: If you’re looking for cutting-edge innovation with every modern touch, go for the Pro Plus. If you’re seeking top-tier performance without all the extras, the Pro will more than satisfy you.
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