Braun MobileShave M-90

Reviewers say the Braun MobileShave M-90 gives a surprisingly close shave -- for a compact, battery-powered electric shaver, that is.

Surprisingly close, but no cigar

One Drugstore.com reviewer who also owns a "significantly more expensive" electric razor writes, "I think this little shaver more than holds its own." Most reviewers say that the M-90 shaves very closely, especially considering its size and its AA-battery power source -- although it's not as good as a regular razor blade. (No electric razor shaves that closely, one Amazon.com reviewer points out.) We found a few reports from users who had initially purchased the Braun MobileShave M-90 for use only during travel, but who had decided to keep using it as their regular shaver. Others say it can't handle regular shaving of a coarse beard, but it is the perfect size for tucking away in a vehicle or workplace locker for the occasional touch-up.

Although most users say they like the M-90's shave and consider it an exceptional value for the money, we also found 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." The same reviewer says owners who have viewed 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.

Tops in domestic, international shaving convenience

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, with no concerns about finding an outlet or matching voltages during international travel. We found a couple of comments that a single set of AA batteries can last for more than two weeks of regular shaving. Opinions are split, however, on whether the cap, which protects the shaving foil when not in use and then hinges away to act as an extension for the shaver's handle, is helpful or just "weird."

Middle-of-the-road noise from an on-the-road shaver

Users report that the MobileShave M-90 feels well-built, although one Amazon.com reviewer worries that he might break the protruding trimmer when he tries to extend or retract it. Not many comment on this shaver's noise -- usually a good sign. Most of those who mention the noise level say it's pretty quiet, although one Amazon.com reviewer says it's a bit loud. He doesn't seem to mind, though, because he says the M-90 shaves quickly enough that he can put it away after just a couple of minutes. A video review from Electric-Shaver-Guide.com confirms that the M-90 is a bit louder and more abrasive sounding than high-end shavers.

Full-size warranty on a compact electric razor

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, and 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.

The bottom line

Although the MobileShave M-90 won't always replace a full-size shaver, especially if you have a coarse beard, reviewers say it's tops for mobile shaving and touch-ups.