Braun MobileShave M-90

Bottom Line

Reviewers say the Braun MobileShave M-90 gives a surprisingly close shave, considering that it's powered by AA batteries. Its twist-open cap protects the foil and also serves as an extension for the handle. The MobileShave M-90 is a little on the loud side and won't always replace a full-size shaver -- especially if you have a coarse beard -- but reviewers say it's still great for touch-ups and shaving on the go.

Performance

Surprisingly decent performance. Although most users say they like the M-90's shave and consider it an exceptional value for the money, we did find a fair number of complaints from both Drugstore.com and Amazon.com users that this razor pinches and pulls, especially when you're shaving difficult contours like your chin and neck.

In a video review for Electric-Shaver-Guide.com, the reviewer does not recommend this model because it struggled to cut through one and two days' worth of beard growth. However, he notes that it might do better for those who don't have to shave every day: "If you don't have thick facial hair, it's pretty convenient for $25," he says. The same reviewer says owners who have seen his review, but don't have thick facial hair, have written in to recommend the M-90.

Owners also seem bemused by the placement of the M-90's trimmer, which sticks out at a right angle to the shaving foil, although they say it can help reduce discomfort when shaving your chin or neck. Several users on Amazon.com say the M-90 tends to miss stray hairs that have grown more than a few millimeters long, or those that curl or lay flat against your face. "I get a pretty good shave with no irritation. It's not great on long hairs, especially at the neck line. But an extra pass or two does the trick," writes one Amazon.com user with what he describes as a "rather heavy beard."

Ease Of Use

Quirky, but useful. Users say the Braun MobileShave M-90's best features are its compact convenience and travel capability -- just pop two AA batteries in and you're ready to shave. Reviewers say two AA batteries can last for more than two weeks of regular shaving.

Users report that the MobileShave M-90 feels pretty well built (especially considering the price), although one Amazon.com reviewer worries that he might break the protruding trimmer when he tries to extend or retract it. Once you're done shaving, you can pop the foil off and let it dry separately from the rest of the shaver, which is washable.

Opinions are split on whether the cap, which protects the shaving, is helpful or just "weird." Other than that, the biggest usability complaint we found was a tendency for shavings to spill everywhere.

Noise

Acceptably loud. A smattering of users, mostly at Amazon.com, say the Braun MobileShave M-90 is a little on the loud side. The extra volume and abrasive sound quality is obvious in a video review from Electric-Shaver-Guide.com on YouTube. Still, nobody seems to mind too much; as one Amazon.com user who remarks on the noise also points out, the M-90 shaves quickly enough that he can put it away after just a couple of minutes.

Warranty

Standard, with a low replacement cost. The Braun MobileShave M-90 comes with a two-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Users report an estimated new foil cost of about $13 -- roughly half the cost of buying a new M-90. Buying a new M-90 still costs less than buying replacement foils or heads for other full-size razors.

On the other hand, we found quite a few reports that men keep a disposable razor on-hand for dealing with stray or curling hairs that the M-90 missed; you might want to factor in that additional cost. You'll also have to pay for AA batteries, although some consumers cut cost and waste by using rechargeable batteries.