Best Electric Shavers · head-to-head

Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 vs Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K is cheaper at $229.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 or Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K is the cheaper at $229.99.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.

Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K
US price $299.99 $229.99
BrandPhilips NorelcoPanasonic
Released20232019
Cutting system rotary foil
Shaving elements 3 rotary heads with dual-row Lift & Cut blades (Space Grade Steel) 5 (2 finishing foils, 2 lift foils, 1 center quick-slit blade)
Wet dry Yes Yes
Battery min 60 45
Quick charge min 18 3
Cleaning station Yes Yes
Display LCD (battery %, backlit) LCD (battery level)
Release 2023 2019

Sources — Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89: usa.philips.com (verified 2026-06-15). Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K: amazon.com (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 and Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Cutting system: Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 rotary vs Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K foil
  • Shaving elements: Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 3 rotary heads with dual-row Lift & Cut blades (Space Grade Steel) vs Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K 5 (2 finishing foils, 2 lift foils, 1 center quick-slit blade)
  • Battery min: Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 60 vs Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K 45
  • Quick charge min: Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 18 vs Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K 3
  • Display: Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89 LCD (battery %, backlit) vs Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K LCD (battery level)

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89

Only one whitelisted tester — TechRadar — has a real hands-on review. It physically tested the UK/AU SP9883/35 variant, which it explicitly presents as equivalent to the US Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige SP9886/89. After a week's use it rated the shaver a comfortable, gentle wet/dry performer with premium build, but flagged a mediocre SmartClick trimmer and a steep list price. All other search hits were affiliate blogs or retailer listings. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Comfortable, gentle wet and dry shave that limited skin irritation; Premium metallic build with ergonomic grip and useful extras (wireless charging pad, self-cleaning station).

Flagged: Included SmartClick trimmer underwhelming — needed repeat passes over the same patches; Very high list price.

Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-K

No sourced tester review yet.

← All electric shavers compared · Open data